AFP downgrades alert level

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) downgraded the red alert status it declared last month to ensure the availability of troops for deployment when needed during the holidays.

AFP Public Affairs Office deputy chief Maj. Angelo Guzman said the continuing enforcement of the second highest alert is also in line with the military’s continuing humanitarian operations in the storm-ravaged Visayas region.

“We have troops deployed in the Visayas for humanitarian and rehabilitation operation, so we need to have a standby force,” he said.

Due to the massive and widespread devastation left by Typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas last month, the AFP placed its entire 130,000-strong force under red alert status to ensure 100 percent availability and quick deployment of troops for disaster and humanitarian operations.

The declaration of the highest military alert level allowed the easy pulling out of troops from the three major services for redeployment in the typhoon-ravaged provinces of Cebu, Samar, Leyte, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique and Palawan.

“From red, the AFP is now on blue alert,” Guzman said.

Under the blue alert status, the military can easily muster at least 50 percent of its strength if the need arises.

The military’s alert categories are red, blue and white. When the red alert status is declared, all troops are required to report to their respective assignments, including those who are on vacation as all leaves and furloughs are immediately cancelled.