In this photo released on Sept. 27, 2025, Philippine Marine Corps personnel haul in relief items into a military truck for distribution to families affected by Severe Tropical Storm "Opong" in Coron, Palawan. (Photo: 3rd Marine Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps)
The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and Philippine Army (PA) ramped up their humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) efforts in the wake of successive storms that battered the country, officials said on Saturday, Sept. 27.
In Northern Palawan, the Disaster Response and Rescue Teams (DRRT) of the 37th Marine Company, Marine Battalion Landing Team 7, spearheaded relief and clearing operations in communities affected by Severe Tropical Storm “Opong.”
The Marine team conducted evacuation operation and carried out road clearing in Sitio Cabigsing, Brgy. Buena Suerte, and Brgy. Maligaya, both in El Nido.
Another DRRT, in coordination with the 11th Special Forces Company, facilitated the hauling and distribution of relief goods in Coron.
Among the recipients were families at Claudio Sandoval Elementary School South, Coron School of Fisheries, and Brgy. Poblacion 1. Additionally, 34 sacks of relief supplies were delivered to Brgy. Poblacion 6.
“These concerted efforts highlighted the commitment of the Philippine Marine Corps, particularly 3rd Marine Brigade units, in ensuring timely response, relief, and support to affected communities during calamities or any other contingencies,” said Captain Marissa Meriel, 3 Marine Brigade Unit spokesperson.
Photo shows the extent of damage caused by Super Typhoon "Nando" in Central Luzon during an aerial patrol by the Philippine Army's Aviation Regiment on Sept. 25, 2025. An aircraft from the Special Mission Aviation Company flew over Pampanga and Nueva Ecija to inspect flood control structures along the Pampanga River and the Peñaranda River Irrigation System. (Photo: Aviation Regiment)
Meanwhile, in Central Luzon, the Army’s Aviation Regiment launched aerial patrols to assess the damage left behind by Super Typhoon “Nando.”
An aircraft from the Special Mission Aviation Company flew over Pampanga and Nueva Ecija to inspect flood control structures along the Pampanga River and the Peñaranda River Irrigation System.
The patrol also surveyed agricultural lands, road networks, and populated areas to aid in planning relief operations and disaster recovery.
Col. Louie Dema-ala, PA spokesperson, said the Aviation Regiment remains on heightened alert to provide air support for HADR operations.