Kalinaw News: 4ID deploys troops for disaster response as tropical storm Odette struck

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 18, 2021): 4ID deploys troops for disaster response as tropical storm Odette struck



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – “4ID has committed 85 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) teams for Tropical Storm Odette. These teams were either deployed or on alert for the conduct of rescue and retrieval operations to all affected areas in our area of responsibility (AOR) in coordination with the concerned Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs) of the local government units.”

Brigadier General Oliver T Vesliño, the Acting Commander of 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, stated that 4ID shifted to HADR operations after severe TS Odette intensified and struck some areas of 4ID’s AOR particularly parts of Caraga region, parts of Misamis Oriental province and Cagayan de Oro City on December 16.

4ID’s line units coordinated with the regional, provincial and municipal DRRMCs for the conduct of Disaster Response Operation (DRO) and had a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment in order to pre-empt further casualties and damages during the landfall of TS Odette.

Brig Gen Vesliño added that 4ID also and made available a total of 129 military trucks, including rubber boats, to support the LGUs for the implementation of force evacuation in flood-prone areas and rescue operations in areas that were directly hit by TS Odette.

He went on to say that HADR is part of the AFP’s mandate, and the 4ID are always ready and committed in supporting and assisting local government units, as well as providing all available manpower and logistical resources to mitigate the effects of a disaster.

“We thanked the resiliency and determination of our troops, together with the LGUs and other partner stakeholders. They worked in unison to prepare for and respond to the infact of tropical storm Odette. Rest assured that the 4ID is fully dedicated in providing continuous support and ensuring that affected families will overcome the challenges brought by the disaster,” Brig Gen Vesliño further said.

Meanwhile, Brig Gen Vesliño criticized the CPP-NPA-NDF’s attack on the soldiers while they are on their way in the DRRMC in Madrid, Surigao del Sur in preparation for the TS Odette landfall on December 15. Two (2) civilians were injured while the troops disengaged safety.

Governor Alexander Pimentel of Surigao del Sur condemned the attack of the CTG on soldiers as a barbaric act, putting the lives of the civilians in danger. He said that attacking the soldier is also an attack on the people who only want peace and development in the province because soldiers were there to help the people of Surigao del Sur due to Typhoon Odette.

“While our soldiers risk their lives to save the residents from the danger of the typhoon, these terrorists, the CPP-NPA-NDF, without conscience and consideration of the situation of the people, took undue advantage and attacked our soldiers despite the presence of civilians. This was a desperate attempt to deliver accomplishment in time for the Communist Party of the Philippines’ 53rd anniversary. It is also part of their diversionary tactics because of our relentless, focused military operations in the area,” Brig Gen Vesliño explained.

“We urged the Communist Terrorist Group to be mindful on the plight of the people and always uphold their welfare. Stop using violence to further your agenda, it will never solve our problems. But instead take advantage of the government’s reintegration program, the E-CLIP. It will provide you an opportunity to return to your families and communities”, Brig Gen Vesliño said.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/4id-deploys-troops-for-disaster-response-as-tropical-storm-odette-struck/