AFP musters troops, braces for Rolly PH

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 1, 2020): AFP musters troops, braces for Rolly PH (By Nonette N. Castillo) 

CALOOCAN CITY, Nov. 1 (PIA) -- Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, General Gilbert Gapay, led the mustering of troops of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region as the military firms up its responses for Super Typhoon Rolly.

In his address, General Gapay told the men and women of JTF-NCR to expect the worst as Rolly threatens Metro Manila, Bicol Region, and Central and South Luzon.

"Today lets focus at the task at hand to help our countrymen particularly those situated along the path of Super Typhoon Rolly," General Gapay said.

General Gapay has earlier ordered to raise the red alert status to maximize the AFP's response capacity.

All disaster response teams and mobility assets from SOLCOM, NOLCOM, CENTCOM and JTF-NCR are already on standby for possible deployment.

Air and naval assets are also in their respective secure positions for use in transport and damage assessment missions.

Over 5,000 active military personnel trained for disaster response operations are ready for deployment from Luzon and Visayas. They are also being augmented by reservists and auxiliary units.

"Let us maintain that high state of readiness. With that, I am confident in our preparation, our dedication, the sound leadership of our commanders, and our unity and teamwork that we will weather the impact of ST Rolly," General Gapay said.

The AFP directed all its units to coordinate with and provide technical and manpower support to local disaster risk reduction and management centers.

This includes the possible set up of Incident Command Posts (ICP) of LGUs with AFP communications equipment and transportation assets, as well as first responders.

General Gapay also reiterated his earlier directive to ensure the safety of military personnel and assets, particularly those along the track of the typhoon.

He also ordered frontline units in less affected areas to prepare to reinforce those in directly affected areas.

"Hindi natin alintana itong mga dangers and threats to our lives. Ipakita natin na ang kanilang Sandatahang Lakas, ang kanilang kasundaluhan ay handang tumulong kahit na nasa panganib ang ating buhay," General Gapay said. (AFP PAO/PIA-NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057744