BACOLOD City – In a high state of readiness and preparation.
This was how Army Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303 Infantry Brigade (IBde) based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, described the 350 soldiers of the Philippine Army who are ready to be deployed for disaster response should any calamity strike Negros Island.
The soldiers were trained in basic first aid, light and water search rescue operations, and incident command system under the Philippine Army, Office of Civil Defense, and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices.
They are equipped with basic search and rescue equipment such as life jackets, life rings, floating devices, rescue helmets, utility ropes, chainsaws, and folding stretchers.
The government forces also have military field ambulances, military trucks, and utility vehicles on stand-by.
“All military personnel trained for disaster response operations are ready for deployment. They are also being augmented by reservists and auxiliary units,” Pasaporte said.
These 350 soldiers of the 303 IBde form part of the 34 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) teams from both the 62nd and 79th Infantry Battalions (IBs) based in areas of the first to fifth districts of Negros Occidental and the first district of Negros Oriental.
Pasaporte said they will work together with the local government units, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
“We are always ready and alert, both in times of natural calamities and man-made disasters since the lives and safety of the people are of paramount importance,” Pasaporte said.
He also urged Negrenses to keep a strong faith in God, who will protect the people from any disaster. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency/PN)
