AFP intensifies ‘large-scale’ post-typhoon #UwanPH operations

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has intensified its “large-scale” post-typhoon clearing, repair, and restoration operations. 

During the situation briefing hosted by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) on Tuesday at the Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized that the military remains “all hands on deck” as it continues to support nationwide efforts to reopen vital roads, restore access to isolated communities, and assist in relief and recovery missions.

“Nakatutok na ngayon ang Armed Forces of the Philippines sa malawakang clearing operations, road and bridge repair support, at restoration of access sa mga komunidad na matinding naapektuhan (The Armed Forces of the Philippines is now focused on large-scale clearing operations, road and bridge repair support, and the restoration of access to communities that were severely affected),” Col. Padilla said, noting the military’s continued coordination with various government agencies under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Massive deployment

According to Padilla, the AFP has already prepositioned a total of 11,017 teams for deployment nationwide. This includes 427 specialized teams composed of 3,332 soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and reserve force members, who are now fully mobilized to provide immediate assistance in affected areas.

“The AFP is all hands on deck,” she said. 

The military has deployed a total 2,827 land assets, consisting of engineering equipment, military trucks, and mobility vehicles actively engaged in road clearing, debris removal, and infrastructure assessments alongside the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). 

Additional land assets are being dispatched to provinces that remain isolated due to landslides or damaged bridges.

Naval operations have deployed 169 vessels and rubber boats to deliver relief goods, conduct coastal clearing, and reach island and coastal barangays still inaccessible by land.

Meanwhile, 45 air assets, both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, are being used for aerial assessments, rapid transport of relief goods, and medical evacuation operations. Air reconnaissance missions are also helping identify areas in urgent need of clearing or engineering support.

Padilla said the AFP is working closely with local government units (LGUs) and national agencies, including the DPWH, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine National Police (PNP), to facilitate damage assessments, secure evacuation centers, and expedite the repair of public facilities.

“Tulong-tulong ang AFP at LGUs sa damage assessment, pag-secure sa mga evacuation centers, at paghatid ng essential supplies habang sinisimulan na ang repair ng mga kalsada, tulay, at public facilities (The AFP and the LGUs are working together on damage assessment, securing evacuation centers, and delivering essential supplies, while repairs on roads, bridges, and public facilities are already underway),” she noted.

Further, Padilla reminded the public to remain cautious, particularly in areas prone to landslides and structural hazards.

She then reaffirmed the AFP’s full commitment to ongoing post-typhoon operations, ensuring that its ground, naval, and air assets remain on standby for relief and rapid response missions.

“At sa lahat ng apektado, patuloy po kayong mag-ingat habang nagpapatuloy ang clearing at repairs. Kaagapay ninyo ang AFP—tahimik pero palaging naroon—sumusuporta, nagbabantay, at handang kumilos para sa inyong kaligtasan at pagbangon (And to everyone affected, please continue to stay safe as clearing and repair operations go on. The AFP stands with you—quiet but always present—supporting, watching over, and ready to act for your safety and recovery),” she said.