By Francis Wakefield
The Disaster Response Task Groups (DRTG) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Northern Luzon Command (AFP-NoLCom) have been deployed in their designated areas and are geared up for the possible incursion of Typhoon “Ompong” which threatens Northern and Central Luzon.
(Logo from Northern Luzon Command, AFP Facebook page)
As of September 10, 2018, NoLCom forces have been mobilized and are on alert. Each of the Infantry Brigades (702nd, 703rd, 502nd, and 503rd) of NoLCom has DRTG to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster response to their people in calamity-susceptible areas.
DRTG 1 of the 702nd Brigade is focused on providing assistance in the Ilocos Region, DRTG 2 of the 502nd Brigade for Cagayan Valley, DRTG3 of the 703rd Brigade in Region 3, and DRTG Cordillera of the 503rd Brigade in the Cordillera Administrative Region. All military conveyance and equipment are ready for use in any case the need arises.
As of Wednesday, the NoLCom is working together with the volunteer organizations and other stakeholders in repacking goods that will be given away as relief packages supposing the downpour of typhoon Ompong.
It has also closely coordinated with the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), its Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMC) in monitoring and providing advisories to the public in raising awareness and preparedness for this tropical cyclone.
"As typhoon Ompong is nearing, the Northern Luzon Command has intensified its preparations and contingency plans and will readily conduct humanitarian and disaster relief operations (HADRO) to ensure the safety of the populace and aid assistance to any natural calamity-induced," it said.