Military orders troops to assist in helping areas hit by quake

November 1, 2019

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command  ordered troops to help the  Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council in providing assistance to areas hit by recent earthquakes in Mindanao.

General Felimon Santos Jr., head of the Eastern Mindanao Command, raised the alert level of all military units under his area of responsibility and directed the activation of their Disaster Response Unit or Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Task Force.

"Let us assist our local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council of these affected areas and provide the capability our units can offer," Santos said.

Lt . Col. Ezra Balagtey, AFP Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman, said Santos directives include preparation of different assets from Navy, AirForce, Army and from military engineers needed in disaster response.

On the other hand, Santos also reminded military forces to remain vigilant against possible terrorist group activity. Robina Asido/DMS