The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has activated its disaster response units in areas hit by Tropical Storm "Quinta," particularly in Bicol Region (Region 5), Calabarzon (Region 4A), and Mimaropa (Region 4B).
General Gilbert Gapay, AFP Chief of Staff, instructed his ground commanders in the path of Quinta to help local government officials in ensuring the safety of the people.
"They should be prepared to deploy and assist local government units and other relevant agencies in the preventive evacuation or force evacuation as may be needed by our countrymen," he said.
This proved to be crucial as 12 fishermen were reported missing in Catanduanes while a crew member of a capsized yacht, MV Oceanic Explorer 3, in Bauan, Batangas was yet to be found amid the onslaught of Quinta.
Major General Greg Almerol, commander of the 2nd Infanfry Division (2ID) which has operational jurisdiction over Southern Tagalog, mustered his troops and their humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) capabilities.
Per the military’s report, a total of 419 soldiers and 91 military vehicles were placed on alert status and ready for deployment.
Commanders were also enjoined by Gapay to observe the minimum safety standards in the deployment of their personnel, such as the wearing of protective gears and practicing social distancing.
He also told his commanders to exercise all the necessary precautions to keep their personnel and equipment safe, including aircrafts, ships, and other key assets.
Meanwhile, Gapay urged the public to heed typhoon warnings from disaster risk reduction officials.
"We ask them to leave for the evacuation centers in their localities and take advantage of AFP assistance before the situations get out of hand," he said.
Typhoon Quinta made its first landfall over San Miguel Island in Tabaco City, Albay on Sunday night. Four more landfalls were monitored by auhorities until Monday dawn.
Around 10 a.m., the eye of Quinta was located at 1,920 km east of Southern Luzon, and will likely exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
An estimated 10,000 people were evacuated in Bicol Region, Calabarzon (Region 4A), Mimaropa (Region 4B) and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) due to Quinta.