AFP says JTF Bicolandia on search, retrieval and rescue mode due to Rolly

The entire Joint Task Force Bicolandia is now conducting search, retrieval and rescue operations after Super Typhoon Rolly pounded the entire region over the weekend, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Monday.

AFP Public Affairs Office chief Captain Jonathan Zata said concerned military units have already conducted damage assessment operations in hard-hit areas such as Catanduanes, Legazpi, Camarines provinces, and even Northern Samar.

"With the shift of focus from internal security operations to disaster response, all infantry battalions of the Philippine Army in the 9th ID area of responsibility were also tapped to conduct SRR in support to the LGUs," Zata said in a statement.

Zata said this includes the 31IB in Sorsogon, 49IB in Guinobatan, 2IB in Masbate, 83 IB in Virac, 9IB in Camarines Sur, and 91IB in Camarines Norte.

Zata said one C-130 and two C295 aircraft have also been committed for the transport of additional personnel, equipment, and supplies to the Tactical Operations Group 5 in Legazpi to augment the military disaster response units in Region V.

He added that a total of five helicopters are also being utilized for aerial recon, evacuation, and transport of relief goods.

Zata said over 5,000 active duty personnel and 3,000 reservists and auxiliary forces were initially deployed for humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions in severely-affected areas with augmentation coming in from AFP units in less affected areas.

Earlier in the day, the Office of Civil Defense in Region 5 said 16 deaths have been reported in Bicol: 10 of the victims were from Albay (Daraga, 1; Guinobatan, 3; Malinao, 2; Oas, 1; Polangui, 1; Tabaco City, 2) while six were from Catanduanes (Gigmoto, 1; Virac, 4; San Miguel, 1).

Meanwhile, AFP chief General Gilbert Gapay said the military remains on alert for possible atrocities, which may be conducted by lawless groups, including communist rebels, amid the disaster response operations.

Gapay directed intensified intelligence monitoring to prevent any attempts of the enemy side to disrupt HADR efforts. — RSJ, GMA News