AFP rescues 2,727 individuals affected by Typhoon Ulysses, launches 'Tulong Bayanihan'

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 14, 2020): AFP rescues 2,727 individuals affected by Typhoon Ulysses, launches 'Tulong Bayanihan' (By Jimmyley E. Guzman)

PASIG CITY, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday reported that it rescued a total of 2,727 individuals from the devastating effects caused by Typhoon Ulysses.

Among the rescued were 2,716 in the National Capital Region, Rizal Province and Bicol Region, and 11 who were injured in Camarines Sur. The military also retrieved eight (8) cadavers from Bicol, Region 4A and Zambales while it recorded nine (9) persons reportedly missing.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines will never waver in carrying out our duty to protect the wellbeing of our people. As defenders of peace and security, the AFP is one with the Filipinos as we rise as one nation from the devastation brought by Typhoon Ulysses,” AFP Chief of Staff General Gilbert Gapay said.

Gapay also announced that the AFP will launch “Tulong Bayanihan” for relief missions in affected areas by Typhoon Ulysses and Super Typhoon Rolly. The program will activate military units as drop-off points for donations which will then be delivered to communities as part of the AFP’s relief operations service.

“Through our Tulong Bayanihan program, AFP camps nationwide will serve as drop points for individuals, groups or organizations who intend to donate food and non-food items to typhoon victims,” the AFP chief said.

The AFP is the lead agency for the Search, Rescue and Retrieval (SRR) Cluster of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) Response Cluster. At present, there are 83 SRR teams, 83 ground mobility assets, nine (9) aircrafts, and 18 naval assets deployed in affected areas. Meanwhile 145 ready-reserve deployable SSR Teams are on standby for identified hardest-hit areas including 268 land assets, nine (9) aircrafts, and two (2) vessels including 25 rubber boats.

A total 3,777 AFP personnel consisting of 147 Officers, 2,451 Enlisted Personnel, 550 CAFGUs and 629 Reservists with 303 land, 32 watercrafts, 12 aircrafts, and six naval assets were deployed to assist local government units in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations.

In the National Capital Region, a total of 86 families and 385 individuals were rescued while 349 families and 6,309 individuals were evacuated as of 5:00 p.m. on November 12. The Joint Task Force NCR led HADR efforts in Valenzuela City, Quezon City, Marikina City, Montalban, Rizal, Pasig City, Pandacan, Manila, Navotas, Caloocan.

In Southern Luzon, the Joint Task Force Katagalugan spearheaded disaster response and relief efforts in affected municipalities of Quezon Province, Rizal, Laguna, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes. HADR and Quick Response Teams from the 201st Brigade, 21DRC, CMO Battalion, 85th Infantry Battalion, 59th Infantry Battalion, 564th Engineer Construction Battalion, 202nd Brigade, and 80th Infantry Battalion were mobilized to provide aid in the areas.

The 564th Engineer Construction Battalion led the search, rescue and retrieval operations as well as clearing operations in Los Baños, Laguna. The 80th Infantry Battalion on the other hand led rescue efforts in the towns of San Mateo, Rodriguez, Baras and Tanay all in Rizal Province.

The 9th Infantry Battalion in coordination with the local government units conducted force evacuation to the residents of Barangays Malibago of Sipocot and Quitang, Bahay and Sta. Rosa del Sur of Pasacao, all in Camarines Sur.

In the Bicol Region, the Joint Task Force Bicolandia led force evacuations, transportation of evacuees to relocation sites, and distribution of food relief goods. Among communities assisted were in Tinambac, Buhi and Calabanga in Camarines Sur; Pandan and Virac in Catanduanes; and Legazpi City.

Disaster response units and essential assets under Northern Luzon Command on the other hand are on alert for possible deployment and augmentation. It continues to intensify the conduct of coordination and close monitoring and coordination on both emergency operations centers of provincial and municipal disaster risk reduction and management offices.

“The AFP assures the public that disaster response operations will be prioritized to address the needs of the Filipino people. We will continue to assist the local government units in providing manpower, mobility and equipment for the relief and rehabilitation of communities affected by Typhoon Ulysses,” Gapay said. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058921