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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Tulong!': US responds, to send crisis action team to PH for rescue, relief efforts

'Tulong!': US responds, to send crisis action team to PH for rescue, relief efforts

Published Jul 24, 2025 09:46 am

At A Glance

  • Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the American crisis team will be from the United States Indo-Pacific Command (U.S. Indo-PACOM) and will be tasked to work with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to support rescue and relief efforts.
Stranded passengers find a way to get to their destinations amid the massive flooding in Cainta, Rizal through a free ride provided by the local government on July 22, 2025. (John Louie Abrina)
Stranded passengers find a way to get to their destinations amid the massive flooding in Cainta, Rizal through a free ride provided by the local government on July 22, 2025. (John Louie Abrina)
The United States will be sending a crisis action team to the Philippines to assist in the rescue and relief efforts as the country is continuously being battered with heavy rains that so far affected over 2.7 million people due to widespread flooding and other weather disturbances-related problems.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the American crisis team will be from the United States Indo-Pacific Command (U.S. Indo-PACOM) and will be tasked to work with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to support rescue and relief efforts.
“They will work in tandem with the AFP to strengthen ongoing disaster response operations in the country,” said Teodoro.
The widespread flooding in Metro Manila and various parts of the country has paralyzed several road networks while pockets of landslides also blocked some roads.
While efforts are being conducted to clear roads, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) earlier warned of increased risks in landslides and more flash flood as the soil was already saturated due to several weeks of heavy downpour.
Teodoro said logistical capabilities are now in full operation, and part of it is the activation of EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) sites for the distribution of relief goods.
He said EDCA sites will also be used as staging points of US and Philippine air assets and other equipment that will be used in disaster response.
“Given the rainy season and the possibility of further impacts, the Philippines and the United States, along with allied nations, are maintaining close coordination to ensure continued assistance to affected communities,” said Teodoro.
Teodoro also disclosed that U.S. Indo-PACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo has canceled his other engagements and is flying back to Hawaii to oversee the mobilization of assets and operations on their end.
OCD officer-in-charge Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro IV earlier assured the public that all necessary resources and capabilities are being mobilized in coordination with partner nations and local government units.
“The OCD remains on full alert to address immediate needs and will continue to provide updates as developments unfold,” he said.
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