PAGADIAN CITY (Mindanao Examiner / July 9, 2014) – The Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division has deployed soldiers in Lanao del Sur and Zamboanga del Sur to help local authorities respond to disaster following several landslides in the provinces, officials said Wednesday.
Officials said there were no reports of casualties, but the landslides briefly disrupted traffic flow in Lanao del Sur’s Calanugas town, especially along the highway in the village of Bubongaranao. Soldiers from the 51st Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Cornelio Aboleda worked side by side with the Department of Public Works and Highways in clearing the road of debris on July 7.
Arboleda said they are coordinating with the Provincial and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for future preparation and planning to mitigate the effects of disaster in Lanao del Sur, one of five province under the Muslim autonomous region.
A landslide also occurred in the village of Tubod in Lakewood town in Zamboanga del Sur province and troops from the 53rd Infantry Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Alvin Luzon were also sent to the area to help local authorities and villagers clear the road of debris of mud and boulders.
Brig. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos Jr, commander of 1st Infantry Division, said troops have been ordered to stay alert to be able to quickly respond to emergency and disasters or calamities.
“The assistance extended by the Tabak troopers showcased the multi-faceted role of the Philippine Army both in combat and non-combat or non-traditional roles particularly the humanitarian assistance and disaster response. The Division is currently crafting comprehensive contingency planning for humanitarian assistance and disaster response to mitigate the devastating effects of calamities. All units are ready to shift from combat mode to humanitarian assistance and disaster response mode anytime as the need arises,” Barrientos said.
Army spokesman Capt. Franco Suelto said the 1st Infantry Division is continuously undertaking steps to improve its humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities.
“As a matter of fact, the disaster rescue and response operation is a mandated program of the Division as part of the 11 Bayanihan Programs. The Bayanihan Teams deployed in different areas covered by the Division to strengthen the Barangay Disaster Response Units in coordination with the different local governments and other stakeholders,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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