TACLOBAN CITY – The Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) Disaster Response Deployment Contingent received a hero's welcome following a 10-day relief mission after severe tropical storm "Kristine" devastated the Bicol region.
The 150-man team was composed of the Philippine National Police, Regional Maritime Unit-8, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
They conducted rescue missions, relief distribution, and maintained peace and order to support the recovery of affected communities.
The PRO-8 also activated the PNP Help and Food Bank to aid the affected region. They initially donated P100,000 to support relief efforts.
Police Brig. Gen. Jay Cumigad, Police Regional Office-8 director, thanked the team for completing their mission.
“Your unwavering support in the ’Otso para sa Singko’ rescue and relief efforts in the Bicol region has been truly inspiring. You went above and beyond the call of duty in aiding typhoon-stricken communities,” Cumigad said.
The PRO-8 deployed the team on Oct. 24, two days after the typhoon struck Region 5.