TARLAC CITY – The Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) participated in the fourth quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Thursday, Nov. 10, in Camp Aquino here.
Soldiers, including civilian personnel, performed the “duck, cover, and hold” method to protect the head, neck, and vital organs from falling objects in an earthquake.
During the exercise, the Nolcom activated the earthquake command and control center and quick response team which aim to assist in the safe evacuation and accounting of personnel.
Lt. Gen. Ernesto C. Torres Jr., Nolcom commander, emphasized the importance of the drill in the enhancement of disaster response operations of troops.
“The simulation of these earthquake drills increases the capabilities, efficiency, preparedness, and reaction time of our soldiers in providing timely assistance to the people whenever such calamities arise,” said Torres.
NSED is a quarterly event initiated by the National Risk Reduction and Management Council in collaboration with other government agencies and private institutions that seeks to strengthen the earthquake preparedness, response and efficiency of command, and control mechanisms in emergency and disaster response operations.