READY TO RESPOND. Troops of the Philippine Army's 14th Infantry Battalion prepare for deployment in Mahaplag, Leyte on Thursday (Jan. 5, 2023). The PA has deployed humanitarian assistance and disaster response units to aid communities that might be affected by heavy rains and floods caused by a low-pressure area. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)
MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) on Friday announced that it has mobilized all of its humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) units to provide aid to communities in Metro Manila and parts of Eastern Visayas that might be affected by heavy rains brought by a low-pressure area (LPA).
"The 525th Engineer Combat Battalion, 51st Engineer Brigade, mobilized two light urban search-and-rescue teams for possible HADR efforts for flood-prone areas in Metro Manila amid the rains dumped by the low-pressure area that currently affects swathes of Luzon and Eastern Visayas," PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.
These teams are equipped with lifesaving devices and vehicles.
He added that the PA is coordinating with local government units that might need their assistance.
Meanwhile, Trinidad said the Eastern Visayas-based 802nd Infantry Brigade (802 Inf Bde) of the 8th Infantry Division placed its HADR teams on standby.
"As of the latest update from 802nd Inf Bde ground units, all roads and bridges in the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Biliran are all passable. Moreover, the 14th Infantry 'Avenger' Battalion and the 93rd Infantry Battalion put their HADR teams on standby for possible rescue efforts in Eastern Visayas," he added.
PA troops have been playing a key role in the rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts for communities affected by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, typhoons, and floods that affect the country. (PNA)
