The Philippine Army’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) teams commenced relief efforts on Wednesday for communities affected by calamities, while soldiers intensified rescue operations for flood-affected residents.
According to Army Spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala, Army rescuers and local disaster responders saved families impacted by flooding in the Bicol Region, while other Army teams began relief efforts for communities that bore the brunt of the storm.
“We are prepared, and we stand ready to save lives,” remarked Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido.
A group of 14 Philippine Air Force (PAF) Reservists stationed in Basco, Batanes, took immediate action as Kristine approached.
“In collaboration with other uniformed services and residents, the reservists worked diligently to reinforce homes and secure structures to mitigate potential damage from the impending storm,” said PAF Spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo.
“As Tropical Storm Kristine rages on towards other parts of the country, the PAF remains vigilant and ready to provide assistance, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities,” she added.
The Philippine Navy’s Naval Special Operations Unit-3 (NAVSOU-3) Search, Rescue, and Relief (SRR) Team, under the leadership of Naval Forces Southern Luzon Commander Capt. Edwin M. Nera, also executed a rescue operation in Bonga, Legazpi City.
Despite the raging currents and conditions brought on by Typhoon Kristine, the team managed to transport and evacuate two individuals trapped on a river cliff back to safety, demonstrating their commitment to saving lives amid extreme adversity, according to Navy Spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos.
Additionally, the Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NFSL) conducted an immediate rescue response by deploying Search, Rescue, & Retrieval Teams (SRRTs) to evacuate trapped civilians in the Municipality of Libon, City of Legazpi, and Municipality of Polangui, Albay during Kristine’s onslaught.
As one of the first responders, NFSL SRRTs successfully rescued and evacuated a total of thirty-four civilians at the time of writing, including two senior citizens and two children.
Two of the rescued civilians who fell and became trapped on a river cliff in Bonga were successfully evacuated by the SRRT from Naval Special Operations Unit 3 (NAVSOU 3).
