Friday, September 19, 2014

AFP deploys various HADR assets to augment 'Mario' relief efforts in Metro Manila

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19): AFP deploys various HADR assets to augment 'Mario' relief efforts in Metro Manila

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ordered the deployment of its various humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) assets to help in the ongoing relief efforts of Metro Manila areas severely affected by floods and rains spawned by Tropical Storm "Mario" Friday.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang is monitoring the developments with the help of "Battle Staff Alpha", military public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, under Brig. Gen. Manuel S. Gonzales, deployed six M-35 trucks, eight disaster response trailers with rubber boats each, and additional five rubber boats to Araneta Avenue, Tullahan, and Dinadaanan in Quezon City; Malabon and in Marikina to assist local authorities in the rescue efforts.

The 525th Engineering Battalion also deployed one M-35 truck and one rubber boat to Tullahan, while the 525th Water Search and Rescue Battalion deployed one KM-450 and one rubber boat to Nangka, Marikina.

Two Civil Military Operations Battalions, each with two KM-450 trucks, were deployed in Parang and Tumana in Marikina City to assist in evacuation and transport assistance operations in the area.

The 505th Search and Rescue Group of the Philippine Air Force also alerted one Sokol, one Huey, and two Sikorsky helicopters for the conduct of aerial survey and rescue over Metro Manila.

The Disaster Response Units from the General Headquarters-Headquarters Service Command, the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, and AFP-Medical Center were also alerted for deployment Friday.

“We will continue to monitor the situation in areas affected by Tropical Storm Mario nationwide. Our Unified Commands were also alerted to conduct the necessary disaster response operations in their areas of responsibility,” Catapang said.

“Rest assured that the AFP will be on its toes in assisting our national government in its efforts to aid storm victims,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=686086

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