3rd Infantry Division working with other units, government agencies to bring relief to Ruby's victims in Western Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9): 3rd Infantry Division working with other units, government agencies to bring relief to Ruby's victims in Western Visayas

The Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division said it is working in close coordination with other military units and government agencies to expedite the bringing of aid to families affected by "Ruby" in Western Visayas.

Major Ray Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said that aiding them are units of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and local government units (LGUs).

“Our soldiers are once again responding to the call of duty to provide the necessary assistance to the civil government to bring the primary needs of our people especially in the most affected areas of Typhoon 'Ruby',” 3rd Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero said.

He said that they are maximizing efforts in providing mobility assets, security and manpower in relief operations in the provinces of Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan and Antique.

In coordination with DSWD Region 6, a total of 87,687 family food packs were ready for distribution.

“Our units together with the PNP deployed for relief operations are in close coordination with the DSWD and the local government units of the affected areas so that relief items may be delivered to the affected families the soonest time possible,” 301st Infantry Brigade commander Col. Eric Uchida said.

The 301st Infantry Brigade covers the Panay area.

Three ships of the Philippine Navy stationed in Muelle Loney, Iloilo City were committed to deliver the relief goods to the island barangays in Northern Iloilo and Antique; while two helicopters of the Philippine Air Force will also be utilized for relief operations.

Meanwhile, troops of 62nd Infantry Battalion deployed in Northern Negros also provided manpower assistance in repacking of relief goods in Cadiz City.

The battalion is also in close coordination with other municipalities in Northern Negros for relief operations.

The Army’s 6th Regional Community Defense Group (6RCDG) on the other hand utilized its reserve force from the Army, Air Force and the Navy in providing manpower assistance for the preparation of relief goods at the DSWD Field Offices in Iloilo City, Guimaras and Capiz.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=714228