• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Two days after the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island, the Philippine Army’s 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades have maintained high alert status with the deployment of 47 disaster response task units, several military vehicles, and hundreds of disaster response operations equipment.
Despite their involvement in disaster response operations, Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said on Wednesday (June 5) that they are not lowering their guards.
He said there is the possibility that New People’s Army (NPA) remnants may take advantage of the situation, by hitting soldiers actively involved in helping Negrenses affected by natural calamity.
“That is why we made our presence felt. All boots are on the ground,” Edralin said, stressing that NPA remnants are still trying to recover their lost territories.
Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, public affairs head of 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said that the humanitarian and disaster response (HADR) assets of the 3ID, consisting of 464 personnel, with 42 military transport vehicles, are equipped and prepared to address potential disasters.
Aside from the active Army personnel, Reserve units in Negros Island were also shifted to a state of heightened alert, he added.
Mobility assets, comprising military trucks and other vehicles, are strategically stationed to facilitate the fast deployment and efficient movement of personnel, equipment and logistical supplies, he added.
This ensures an immediate response and vital support and assistance chains in the event of an eruption and other related emergencies, Javines said.
He added that community awareness programs are also being conducted in partnership and collaboration with local government units and concerned government agencies to educate and inform the residents about evacuation procedures, emergency contacts and safety measures.
“By activating and mobilizing these HADR units and assets, we intend to ensure that we can act swiftly and efficiently in any situation that may arise,” Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, said. | GB
