MANILA – Philippine Army (PA) units have conducted humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations on communities affected by Mount Bulusan's phreatic eruption over the weekend.
In a statement Monday night, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the 31st Infantry Battalion of the 9th Infantry Division, performed HADR operations for the village folk of Juban, Sorsogon.
"(The) 31st (Infantry Battalion) deployed 16 teams composed of 147 personnel, 20 military trucks, and an ambulance for HADR efforts to assist 54 families in Barangay Puting Sapa, Juban, Sorsogon in their evacuation. No casualties have been reported and all evacuees, who stayed overnight at the Barangay Tughan evacuation center, already returned to their houses as of June 6, 2022," he added.
According to the latest situation report, Trinidad said power, water, and communication services are normal while national roads and bridges remain passable.
Meanwhile, PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. assured the 9th Infantry Division of ample support for their HADR efforts.
“Your Philippine Army is always ready and committed to support and assist our local government units, as well as in the provision of all available manpower and logistical resources to mitigate the effects of natural calamities in our communities,” he added.
Aside from their HADR efforts, personnel from the 31st Infantry Battalion also helped clear ash from the volcano's eruption in Barangay Puting Sapa, Juban also on Monday.
"The PA, together with barangay officials and village folk, cleared the ashfall a day after the volcano’s phreatic eruption," Trinidad said.
Alert Level 1 remains hoisted over Mount Bulusan, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
“Rest assured, your Philippine Army is always ready for any contingencies. Troops are ready to help our kababayans in communities near the volcano,” Brawner said. (PNA)