The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has instructed all its unit across the country to prepare for the possible adverse effects of super typhoon “Mawar” which is expected to enter the country’s territory on Friday, May 26.
AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said they have already tapped over 12,000 of its personnel, including militiamen and reservists, as first responders, adding that they have also alerted all search, rescue, and retrieval units for humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations in areas expected to be affected by the weather disturbance.
“All unified commands and major Services were already directed to muster and check the readiness of HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster response) equipment and assets; preposition HADR units; assist LGUs (local government units) in evacuations; and participate in coordination meetings and planning activities,” said Aguilar.
“As such, vehicles and personnel are already being prepared to assist in the mandatory evacuation of residents in vulnerable areas. Air and naval assets are also on standby for deployment for future aerial assessment, transport, and evacuation operations,” he added.
Aguilar said a total of 2,518 land transportation assets, 20 air assets and 265 water assets were placed on standby for deployment in areas that would be severely affected by “Mawar”.
“Additional troops and assets will be committed when necessary,” said Aguilar.
While "MAwar", which will be named "Betty" when it enters the country's area of responsibility, will not directly affect any part of the Philippines, weather experts said it is expected to bring more rains in some parts of the country.