More soldiers, equipment sent to Northern Luzon

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City, Philippines — Additional soldiers, equipment and vehicles from the Philippine Army, Navy and Air Force were sent to Northern Luzon provinces to help communities that might be affected by Super Typhoon Uwan.

Lt. Gen. Aristotle Gonzalez, Northern Luzon Command chief, said the Armed Forces wanted to further strengthen its teams to ensure quick and coordinated disaster-response operations across Northern and Central Luzon.

“We are ready to respond and help our people stay safe,” Gonzalez said, adding that Army, Navy and Air Force units are working as one to protect lives and properties.

Gonzalez said additional teams – including search and rescue units, water rescue teams, engineers and medical personnel – were also formed to respond to potential hazard calls from communities.

“Trucks, boats and other mobility assets are also prepared for deployment in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense and local disaster management councils,” Gonzalez said.

He added that the Northern Luzon Command has activated its Emergency Monitoring and Action Cell and the Battle Staff Alpha to keep track of the super typhoon and coordinate all response efforts of the Armed Forces in the region.

Uwan hits Eastern Visayas

Meanwhile, police reported at least one fatality as Uwan breezed through Leyte, Biliran and the three Samar provinces yesterday.

According to the Catbalogan City Police, an unidentified woman died in Purok 6, Pier Area after her house was hit by strong winds.

In Biliran, three houses were destroyed in Barangay Sto. Niño in Naval town.

Despite the heavy rains, the Bato town government in Leyte reported that 86 houses were razed after a fire hit Barangay Iniguihan at past midnight yesterday, displacing more than 100 families.

In Northern Samar, the provincial government reported that 680 people living in coastal areas had evacuated to the Capitol Gymnasium.

The Department of Public Works and Highways in Eastern Samar said its personnel were carrying out quick-response efforts to make roads passable to motorists.

A rockfall was earlier reported in Barangay Binaloan in Taft town. — Cesar Ramirez, Ric Sapnu, Miriam Desacada