AFP mulls use of military camps as evacuation centers

From the Daily Tribune (Aug 3): AFP mulls use of military camps as evacuation centers

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leadership is mulling over the use of military camps around the country as evacuation centers.

AFP chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., who opened the doors of the military’s Northern Luzon Command to evacuees during his time as Nolcom commander, said he intends to do the same in other camps.

Catapang, however, maintained that he needs to consult first with his area commanders regarding the move.

The AFP chief also said that he will be coordinating closely with other government agencies regarding his intention.

“I will consult first with the area commanders but I intend to do that…in coordination with other government agencies,” Catapang said in text message.

Immediately after the onslaught of typhoon “Santi” in Northern Luzon areas, Catapang, then commander of Tarlac City-based Nolcom, ordered the designation of portions of military camps under Nolcom as evacuation centers.

Maj. Emmanuel Garcia, commander of the 1st Civil Relations Group (CRG) in-charged of Northern Luzon, said that since there was no more destructive typhoon that came after Santi, no evacuation to military camps happened.

Garcia doused concerns that the use of military camps as evacuation centers may lead to security nightmare.

“Proposed evacuation centers inside military camps will be situated on locations that will provide maximum access to evacuees and their families but will not compromise security as well,” Garcia said.

“This is part of our enhanced HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster response) efforts,” he added.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/afp-mulls-use-of-military-camps-as-evacuation-centers