Nolcom fasttracks delivery of aid to quake-hit Northern Luzon


RELIEF goods bound for quake-hit Abra are loaded into a helicopter in Camp Aquino, Tarlac City. (Photos courtesy of Lt. Col. Tabutol Sr. via Liz Inigo)
CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City – The Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) is expediting the delivery of aid to quake-affected communities in Northern Luzon.

In a statement, Nolcom commander Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr. affirmed Nolcom’s all-out support for government’s disaster response operations.

“Our central office has allocated ten aircraft for North Luzon, two of which are in Abra ready for use. These assets can be used to provide support in airlifting food packs for the isolated communities in Abra,” said Torres.

The Nolcom commander has deployed more than 100 personnel to augment search and rescue operations while about 500 soldiers are on standby for regions that need their services.

On Friday, July 29, air assets of the Philippine Air Force worked round-the-clock in conducting disaster relief operations and are aiding government agencies and local government units in handing out relief goods and immediate assistance to isolated communities in Abra.

The AFP has tapped reservists under the 14th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) of the Reserve Command, Philippine Army to help in hauling and distributing relief packs for the victims of the earthquake.

Torres stressed that they will be relentless in their operations to ensure the safety of the people.

“It is our mandated task to serve and protect the Filipino people. Rest assured that Nolcom will continue the support and assistance for the residents affected by the quake and ensure that no one is left behind.”