PH Army units help in Banaue relief ops

Army troops and reservists with other volunteers cleared a major road affected by a widespread mudslide in Banaue, Ifugao on July 12, 2022. (Photo: Philippine Army/Facebook)

MANILA – Philippine Army (PA) regular and reserve units continue to assist in relief and road-clearing efforts in communities heavily affected by floods in Banaue, Ifugao.

“Army troops and reservists continue to clear landslide-hit roads as they help local government workers in distributing aid to families affected by heavy rains in Banaue, Ifugao on July 12, 2022,” PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Tuesday night.

Trinidad said personnel of the 1404th Community Defense Center and members of the 1404th Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion have launched clearing efforts on key roads blocked by landslides since July 9.

Meanwhile, 54th Infantry Battalion personnel worked hand in hand with reservists to distribute food packs to families affected by the landslides and heavy rains in Barangay Tam-an.

“Army troops also assisted local government workers in distributing aid to calamity-stricken families in Barangay Poblacion,” Trinidad said.

Heavy monsoon rains triggered flash floods and mudslides that have affected roads, houses, and farms in Banaue since last week.

PA Chief, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., earlier committed to beefing up the Army’s reserve component that plays a crucial role in saving lives in times of natural calamities.

The PA has about 790,000 reserves who perform a crucial role in the successful implementation of development support and security operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, especially humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts.