AFP activates disaster response units in ‘Quinta’ path areas

AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Gilbert Gapay. (PNA File photo)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Gilbert Gapay, ordered all units in areas along the path of Typhoon ‘Quinta’ to activate their disaster response teams to help with disaster relief efforts.

“He (Gapay) likewise tasked said unit commanders to activate their respective disaster response teams,” AFP spokesperson, Marine, Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, quoted Gapay in a statement late Sunday.

Gapay has instructed all units to be prepared to deploy and assist local government units and other relevant agencies in the preventive evacuation or force evacuation if needed.

Arevalo added that Gapay has also directed AFP ground commanders in the path of “Quinta” to exercise all precautions necessary to ensure safety of military personnel and equipment to include aircraft, ships, and other key assets.

“Commanders are also enjoined, that in such deployments, their personnel should adhere to minimum health protocol,” he added.

Arevalo is hoping that all residents in the affected areas will go to the evacuation centers in their localities and take advantage of AFP assistance ahead of the typhoon’s onslaught.