NFNL troops augment massive rescue and relief operations in

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 15, 2020): NFNL troops augment massive rescue and relief operations in Cagayan (By Freddie G. Lazaro) 

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Nov. 15 (PIA) - - Personnel of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) of the Philippine Navy has augmented the ongoing massive rescue and relief operations to the submerged towns and cities in Cagayan on Saturday.

NFNL’s Spokesperson Lieutenant Jaypee B. Abuan said that on Sunday morning, some of the deployed Disaster Response and Rescue Teams (DRRTs) of the Naval Task Group Fleet Marine Cagayan (NTG-FMC) helped in the distribution of food packs for at least 2,686 flood-affected families in the different towns and cities of Cagayan.

“In participation to other national government agencies, our DRRTs have primarily distributed bottled waters and food packs comprised of rice, noodles, and canned goods,” said Abuan.

Upon the instruction of Commodore Caesar Bernard Valencia, the NFNL’s commander, Abuan said the NFNL closely coordinated with the Local and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs) of Region 2 for the possible deployment of more personnel and more assets on the ground for relief and rescue operations to the flood-affected areas in Cagayan.

“At present, we already deployed at least 100 marine soldiers and sailors to Cagayan, and we also have standby teams ready for deployment,” he said.

Aside from personnel, the NFNL had earlier brought to Cagayan four trucks - one KM250 and three KM450, two rubber boats, and various rescue and life-saving equipment.

The marine personnel and the sailors are currently augmenting the ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations in Tuguegarao City, Aparri, Claveria, Sanchez Mira, Sta Ana, Sta Teresita, and Gonzaga, all in Cagayan province.

“Our two deployed Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) teams are from the Naval Special Operations Group-Northern Luzon (NAVSOG-NL) that has the expertise on WASAR operations,” said Abuan.

According to Abuan, the two WASAR teams are performing search and retrieval operation after receiving reports that there are fatalities in the flooded areas of the province. (JCR/FGL, PIA 1)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1059020