SOLCOM, 'disaster' team conduct aerial inspections, relief operations for 'Yolanda' victims

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12): SOLCOM, 'disaster' team conduct aerial inspections, relief operations for 'Yolanda' victims

The Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in coordination with the local government units (LGUs) continue their aerial survey as of Tuesday to assess the damage wrought by the world’s strongest storm ever recorded in history to hit the country recently.

The SOLCOM and OCD composite team ocular inspection choppers hovered over Southern Luzon including the Bicol affected areas.

SOLCOM commander Lieutenant Gen. Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo said military troops, OCD and representatives from DSWD, DPWH and provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (PDRRMCs) boarded two aircrafts for the aerial survey.

The inspection trips were facilitated by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Tactical Operations Group 4 and 5 to the “Yolanda” affected areas for further assessment and determine relief operations and assistance to be extended to the victims.

The site inspections of the composite group starting Monday were subsequently followed by relief distribution and operations in partnership with ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation in the towns of Placer and Esperanza, Masbate.

Lt. Gen. Ordoyo reported that the military command is directly coordinating and collaborating with the multi-agencies for fast and efficient delivery of relief goods to the victims.

“Sa pamamagitan ng aerial survey mas madali naming malalaman ang mga lugar na higit na nasalanta at ang mas nangangailangan ng aming tulong,” Lt. Gen. Ordoyo said.

The SOLCOM commanding general also confirmed that the victims in the typhoon-stricken areas received the relief goods and medicines.

Ordoyo also ordered his military troops to provide assistance in the packaging and distributions of relief goods to the residents of the affected localities.

Masbate province is one of the hardest hit in Southern Luzon during the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda which brought massive destruction and displaced thousands of families.

At the same time, Lt. Gen. Ordoyo lauded the troops for their endeavor especially in rescue and relief operations, aerial survey and in fast-tracking distribution of relief goods to the victims.

He also enjoined everyone to lend a helping hand and show the true Filipino spirit of “bayanihan” (cooperation and volunteerism).

“Sa panahong ito ang pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa ay nararapat na isapuso ng bawat isa sa atin lalo na ang mga nakaluluwag sa buhay ay marapat na tumulong sa mga kapos palad na biktima ng bagyo,” Ordoyo encouraged.

“In these critical times, all of us should demonstrate our cooperation and unity to heart especially those who have more in life to help the victims reeling from the havoc brought by the typhoon.

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