As super typhoon “Uwan” barrels toward Northern and Central Luzon, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) is leaving nothing to chance.

Since 5 November, NOLCOM has put all its Joint Task Forces’ disaster response units on standby and activated its Emergency Monitoring and Action Center (EMAC). The goal: quick coordination and rapid response to whatever the storm may bring.

Internationally known as typhoon Fung-Wong, “Uwan” is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility later this week — and could reach super typhoon strength before landfall.

Lt. Gen. Aristotle D. Gonzalez, NOLCOM commander, said teams have already accounted for all Search, Rescue, and Retrieval units, prepositioning assets in strategic areas most likely to be affected. “We want to make sure humanitarian assistance and disaster response can start immediately when needed,” he said.

NOLCOM is also taking steps to protect critical military assets. Air and naval units are being relocated away from high-risk zones to ensure they remain ready for immediate deployment once the weather allows.

Liaison officers have been deployed to the Office of Civil Defense and local DRRM councils across Regions 1, 2, 3 and the Cordillera Administrative Region. NOLCOM is also actively participating in Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment meetings with regional councils to coordinate efforts with national and local government agencies.