The Philippine Army prepared its humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) personnel and assets as Supertyphoon “Mawar" (Local name: "Betty") barreled towards Northern Luzon and the Batanes Group of Islands on May 26, 2023.
In anticipation of the possible catastrophic effects of Supertyphoon "Betty," the Headquarters Philippine Army (HPA) activated the Philippine Army Disaster Response Task Force on May 26. Disaster Response Units from the Army Support Command, Installation Management Command, Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group, Army Signal Regiment, Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Finance Center Philippine Army, and the Army Personnel Management Center participated in a mustering at the Headquarters Philippine Army Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio on the afternoon of May 26.
The 5th Infantry Division (5ID), whose area of operations covers Cagayan Valley and parts of Cordillera and Ilocos Regions, mustered its Headquarters Emergency Response Company at Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela on the morning of May 26. Moreover, 5ID Commander Maj. Gen. Audrey L. Pasia ordered the inventory of available 5ID personnel that could augment possible HADR efforts in the division’s area of responsibility. 5ID's Headquarters Emergency Response Company is also closely coordinating with the Isabela Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) for possible HADR operations in the province.
Meanwhile, the 525th Engineer Combat Battalion, the Army's premier disaster response unit, alerted for the possible deployment of two light Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams at Camp General Rigoberto Atienza, Libis, Quezon City. The two Light USAR Teams, composed of veterans in search and rescue operations, are well-equipped with search and rescue tools and equipment. The Civil-Military Operations Regiment meanwhile has coordinated with Army stakeholders and partners for a possible donation drive for communities that will be affected by the super typhoon.
"The Philippine Army, in keeping with the spirit of "Bayanihan", will work closely with national government agencies, local government units, and non-government organizations, to help our fellow Filipinos who will be affected by the super typhoon. Rest assured, your Philippine Army is well-prepared to lend a helping hand in areas on the path of the storm," Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. said.
Photos from 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army and 525th Engineer Combat Battalion, 51st Engineer Brigade