In the aftermath of Super Typhoon Uwan, the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has launched Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to support Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) operations across affected areas in Northern and Central Luzon.

According to NOLCOM Public Information Office Chief Major Al Anthony B. Pueblas, PA, the drone deployment is part of the command’s proactive disaster response measures aimed at ensuring immediate situational awareness and faster humanitarian action.

“The use of UAS allows our teams to swiftly determine the extent of damage, locate isolated communities, and identify urgent humanitarian needs without exposing personnel to risks, especially in flooded or inaccessible locations,” Pueblas said.

The UAS units, equipped with real-time imaging capabilities, are being used to capture aerial footage and photographs which are then processed and analyzed by NOLCOM’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) teams. These materials are immediately shared with partner agencies, including the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs), and Local Government Units (LGUs) to guide relief operations, evacuation planning, and infrastructure restoration.

The deployment complements the ongoing efforts of NOLCOM’s Joint Task Forces, which have been coordinating with local authorities to conduct search, rescue, and relief operations since the onset of Uwan.