Army's 56th IB remains on red alert for disaster preparedness

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 19): Army's 56th IB remains on red alert for disaster preparedness

The 56th Infantry “Tatag” Battalion, Philippine Army remains on red alert status to support local government units in their disaster preparedness efforts.

Lt. Col. Louie DS. Villanueva, Army’s 56th (Tatag) Battalion Commander, said that the privilege of the soldiers in their respective areas of assignment in Aurora province, namely Baler, San Luis, Maria Aurora, Dingalan, Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran, Dilasag and portion towns of Laur, Gabaldon and Bongabon in Nueva Ecija, to take leave of absence are suspended to augment the local governments in ensuring the safety of the public.

"Our soldiers are in place and coordinating with the Aurora Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MRRMOs) for possible rescue, relief, and other response operations relative to typhoon Lawin; and continuously monitoring the situation in their respective areas of responsibilities (AORs),” Villanueva said.

“This is our way of life in disaster response and humanitarian assistance that is why their privileges were suspended. All personnel should sacrifice just to ensure that the people are safe,” Villanueva said.

He also said that they are now tapping the Army Reserve Command - 307th Community Defense Center for Search and Rescue (SAR) and others as the need arises.

He said that their military assets and equipment are now on standby for rescue and humanitarian assistance.

He appealed to the public to follow the instructions of the barangay disasters risk reduction and management offices.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=932702