AFP deploys troops, trucks, water assets for Habagat, Pilandok response 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed troops, military vehicles, and water assets to flood-hit areas in Luzon as the country continues to deal with the effects of the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and Tropical Cyclone Pilandok.

At a press briefing, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said the disaster response teams were sent to Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bataan.

“For humanitarian assistance and disaster response, noong August 29, the AFP deployed personnel, vehicles, and other HADR assets to Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bataan to support local government units and disaster response agencies,” she said.

This is to assist local government units and disaster response agencies in rescue operations and the transport and distribution of relief supplies.

The Philippine Army deployed 269 personnel and 15 military trucks for humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations in communities affected by widespread flooding in Luzon.

Another 2,406 soldiers, reservists, and other personnel, along with 277 military trucks and 15 water assets, were placed on alert for immediate deployment if needed.

The Army's responders conducted rescue, evacuation, and sandbagging operations while coordinating with government agencies and local authorities to assist communities affected by the monsoon rains.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) also sent disaster response teams to Pampanga and Tarlac from August 28 to 31 to support rescue, evacuation, search-and-rescue, relief and sandbagging operations.

In Pampanga, PAF teams assisted in rescue operations in Floridablanca and Lubao, while search-and-rescue teams were deployed to Bacolor and San Fernando.

In Tarlac, the PAF supported search operations following the collapse of a portion of Agana Bridge on August 29 and helped evacuate residents in Barangay Aduas in Paniqui. — RSJ, GMA News