Army deploys 269 soldiers to flood-hit Luzon areas

The Philippine Army has deployed 269 soldiers aboard 15 military trucks to assist communities affected by widespread flooding across Luzon, the military said Monday.

“Army units have deployed responders to rescue families affected by the widespread flooding in Bataan, Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga and Pangasinan,” Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said.

Another 2,406 soldiers, reservists and Cafgu Active Auxiliary members, along with 277 military trucks and 15 water assets, remained on standby for immediate deployment.

Army personnel have been assisting local government units in rescue and relief operations and sandbagging efforts to prevent further flooding in low-lying communities.

The 51st Engineer Brigade was also monitoring the Marikina River for possible evacuation operations amid continued monsoon rains.

“The PA's HADR teams are closely coordinating with national government agencies and local government units to help communities affected by widespread flooding due to the monsoon rains,” Dema-ala said.

The Philippine Air Force also deployed water search-and-rescue teams from the 505th Search and Rescue Group to Bacolor and San Fernando, Pampanga, on Sunday.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said the teams worked with local disaster response units, Army personnel and city disaster officials in rescue and evacuation operations.

“The PAF continues to maintain its search and rescue capability in the area, with personnel and equipment kept ready for possible missions. The deployment forms part of the PAF’s HADR efforts to provide timely support to communities affected by emergencies and severe weather conditions,” Basco said.

Military personnel were also deployed in Metro Manila.

Soldiers from the 11th Civil-Military Operations Battalion assisted in distributing food packs at evacuation centers in Potrero, Bagong Lote and Tinajeros elementary schools in Malabon.

The 3rd Marine Rifle Battalion and 11th Civil-Military Operations Battalion also joined Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval in distributing relief packs at Dampalit Elementary School Main.

Rescue teams from the 5th and 12th Civil-Military Operations battalions were also deployed to Barangays Sto. Niño and Malanday in Marikina.