DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Dec. 22 (PIA) -- Philippine Army units in Negros Island have started in their humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts in different municipalities and cities hit by Typhoon “Odette” on Dec. 17.

The 94th Infantry Battalion headed by Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman together with other regular forces and different City and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (CDRRMO/MDRRMO) provided manpower and transportation assistance for evacuation and clearing operations in the 1st and 2nd districts in Negros Oriental.

Together with other rescue teams, the troops cleared the roads from obstructions such as fallen trees, lamp posts, and power lines to allow unimpeded passage of emergency response vehicles, relief supplies, and public transport.

The troops’ humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) teams from the 303rd and 302nd Infantry Brigades also supported rescue operations and preparation and distribution of relief goods to affected families and individuals in the municipalities in Southern and Northern Negros.

“The wellbeing of the people we (swore) to serve is our priority during disasters and calamities; hence, we are employing all our HADR capabilities to ensure their safety. With the support of our reservists, and collaboration with concerned government agencies, we will continue to extend the needed assistance to affected communities,” said MGen Benedict Arevalo, Commander, 3ID.

Arevalo also appealed to the people of Western and Central Visayas to unite and do their share for the fast recovery of affected communities. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from Philippine Army)