Soldiers’ heroism during ‘Tisoy’ onslaught cited

The lessons taught by super typhoon “Yolanda” six years ago, made us more resilient, empowered and proactive to withstand disasters.

With the support of the local government unit of Gamay, the 20th IB of Philippine Army organized the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response dubbed “Operation Tisoy” that is presently doing road clearing operations to ensure that vehicles bringing relief goods to the typhoon victims can go through. Elmer Recuerdo

TACLOBAN CITY — Amid the preparations before the onslaught of typhoon “Tisoy” as well as in the post disaster operations, little was mentioned regarding the heroic response made by the government soldiers in Northern Samar.

In the town of Gamay, for example, soldiers from the 20th Infantry Battalion, was able to rescue 216 families who were trapped by the flash floods caused by intermittent rains brought by the strong typhoon.

Responding to the call of duty, the soldiers augmented the scant manpower of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support of the municipality thereby preventing any casualty in the said town.

With the support of the local government unit of Gamay, the 20th IB of Philippine Army organized the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response dubbed “Operation Tisoy” that is presently doing road clearing operations to ensure that vehicles bring relief goods to the typhoon victims can go through.

Gamay, a fourth-class municipality facing the Pacific side of the province and with a population of 23,511 based in 2015 census, is among the most battered town by typhoon “Tisoy” and was isolated from the provincial capital until Thursday due to the huge debris along the highway.

“The lessons taught by super typhoon “Yolanda” six years ago, made us more resilient, empowered and proactive to withstand disasters that might befall upon us anytime,” says Major General Pio Q. Diñoso III, Commander of 8th Infantry Division.

“The mitigation measures being implemented by the LGU through its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the military with the cooperation of the local residents prevented the loss of lives, limbs and properties,” Diñoso said.