AFP units alerted for disaster response efforts ahead of ‘Rolly’

FILE: Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo during the press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (May 6, 2019). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday activated all of its units to assist disaster response efforts ahead of the onslaught of Typhoon “Rolly”.

“AFP chief, Gen. Gilbert Gapay has directed AFP units to monitor and for AFP frontline commanders to prepare for, in coordination with the OCD (Office of Civil Defense) and NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council), ‘Rolly’ that is forecast to possibly become a ‘super typhoon’,” AFP spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a press statement.

He added that the AFP has existing protocols that direct all field units to prepare their disaster response units in any disaster.

“These disaster response units are specifically trained and equipped to conduct search, rescue, and retrieval operations. Other assets are also available for the transport of relief goods, road clearing, and damage assessment operations,” Arevalo said.

Other assets are also available for the transport of relief goods, road clearing, and damage assessment operations, he added.

“We take time to once again call on our kababayans to take heed and follow the directions of their own Barangay Risk Reduction Officers especially in identified areas where the typhoon will be passing through,” Arevalo said.