NDRRMC appoints 3ID Chief as 'Incident Commander' for Western Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): NDRRMC appoints 3ID Chief as 'Incident Commander' for Western Visayas

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has appointed 3rd Infantry Division chief, Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad, as the "Incident Commander" for Western Visayas.

This refers to the ongoing "Yolanda" humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations in the region.

With this development, Baladad stressed that the concentration of HADR operations effort must be in the areas hit badly by the super typhoon while the resources from all sources (local and international) shall be integrated.

He added that his goals are: to prevent or minimize loss of life;to prevent or mitigate damage to properties; to facilitate the recovery of affected areas; and, to hand-over the responsibilities to local government units.

Meanwhile, the Incident Command Post (ICP) was transferred from Iloilo International Airport to Capiz Airport considering the place as near the impact area.

A regular situation update briefing will also be conducted to international aid groups at the Capiz provincial capitol.

Five staging areas were established in Panay Island, which include the Roxas City Airport in Capiz; Kalibo Airport in Aklan; Iloilo International Airport in Iloilo province; Airport in San Jose, Antique; and in Jamindan, Capiz.

These are the areas where relief goods will be hauled in a warehouse and these relief goods will be distributed utilizing land and air assets in a coordinated and synchronized manner to ensure that all the affected families will be provided of their needs.

In support to relief distribution efforts, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Western Visayas is now utilizing 69 military trucks of different types, four helicopters of the Philippine Air Force and two vessels of the Philippine Navy.

Canadian Forces Mobile Medical Teams and the 3rd Infantry Division medical personnel also continue to conduct medical mission in the affected towns of Capiz and northern Iloilo.

Engineering units of both forces also work hand in hand in the clearing of roads and repair of public buildings and schools.

In Estancia, Iloilo Sunday, the AFP provided five military trucks for the forced evacuation of about 1,500 families living in the coastal area who were affected by the oil spill.

Working with Estancia local govenrment, the evacuees were transported to Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College which was repaired by the Army’s 552nd Engineering Construction Battalion and the Canadian Engineer unit.

Meantime, in between the continuous conduct of disaster response operations and for the operators to take a very short break, AFP personnel got the chance to view live the fight of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao who won a unanimous decision against his opponent, Brandon Rios.

Pacquiao, through his relentless training, has been the source of inspiration and motivation for 3rd Infantry Division troopers in preparing to engage in various situation of the operational environment.

Armed with that inspiration and motivation, the soldiers will be able to handle and pursue the AFP’s mission in serving the people here in Western Visayas especially during this difficult time.

“We will ensure that all the affected families will be provided with relief goods, while the injured and sick persons in the affected areas will be provided the necessary medical treatment. Also from here, concerned government agencies will be working with the appropriate aid organization cluster in the relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts," Baladad concluded.

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