Army rescues flood-affected residents in Caraga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 20): Army rescues flood-affected residents in Caraga

As the tail end of a cold front brought floodings in several municipalities in Caraga region and caused displacement of local residents, the Fourth Infantry Division (4ID) of Philippine Army along with its infantry battalions in the provinces has taken the action and rescued the communities from risks and harm.

Major General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., commanding general of the 4ID, Philippine Army, has assured the general public that the army will protect the lives of the people and ensure their safety at all times, especially during calamity/emergency.

“The Philippine Army is committed to serve and protect the people of the land. In times of calamity/disaster, we will never hesitate to extend help and assistance to the communities. We take pro-active measures to safeguard the lives of the people and keep them safe,” stressed Madrigal.

MGen. Madrigal also underlined that despite heavy rains and floods, the different battalions in the provinces have actively responded to the flood-affected communities and saved lives of hundreds of individuals.

It can be recalled that on Thursday, the personnel of Charlie company 23rd Infantry Battalion led by commanding officer 2Lt Roel Maglalang, together with Esperanza, Agusan del Sur vice mayor Eric Rey Siohan, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) Eugene Seraspe, Search and Rescue Agusan del Sur (SARAS) personnel Jefrey Austriro and municipal administrator Michelle Templado conducted disaster visitation at Barangay Hawilian and assisted the flood-affected families and ensured their safety.

On the same date, the group also led the conduct of evacuation of the flood-affected populace of barangay Batohon, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur as the floodwaters continue to rise and may risk the lives of the residents.

On Jan. 19, 2017, the same team also helped motorists in their transportation thru pump boats as the Agusan River overflowed at Batohon-Hawilian, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur road going to Las Nieves of Agusan del Norte, which was not then passable by light vehicles.

Also, in response to the alarming rise of water level in La Paz and Loreto, Agusan del Sur due to continuous rains, the 401st Brigade under the command of Col. Cristobal Zaragoza has deployed a team with response vehicle at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC); emplaced an officer from 26IB to municipal DRRMCs; deployed a platoon in Loreto area for ready response operations; deployed another officer that leads section of 26 Infantry Brigade with vehicle in La Paz area for disaster response operation.

Meanwhile, the Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battallion deployed one team with officer and vehicle at RDRRMC for coordination and monitoring.

The 30IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Rico Amaro also attended the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting with other members of the PDRRMC/CDRRMC of Surigao City; conducted visitation and monitoring of the weather condition at PDRRMC Office in Surigao del Norte.

One squad led by 1Lt Ken Enciso has assisted the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), as well as the MDRRMO of Surigao del Norte in the repacking of relief goods.

With all these, the good commander also recognized the active collaboration of the different government agencies and concerned citizens to address the calamity that affects the communities in Caraga region.

He also reiterated that the Philippine Army would continue to give its best as they do their duties and responsibilities for the Filipino people.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2041484880396/army-rescues-flood-affected-residents-in-caraga