Navy Disaster Response Task Groups On Heightened Alert for “Juan”

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)

Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Monday, 18 October 2010

The Philippine Navy’s Disaster Response Task Groups (DRTG) are on alert since yesterday, 15 October 2010 in preparation for Typhoon “Juan”. These DRTGs are prepositioned at the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) in La Union, Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NFSL) in Legaspi City, and the Fleet-Marine Ready Force’s task units in the Manila-Cavite areas.

In Northern Luzon, three teams are on standby with two teams located at the NFNL Headquarters. The third team at the Naval Detachment Bonoan is manned by naval reservists to augment the Navy’s regular force in the area. Each team has 10 personnel and equipped with a rubber boat and other life-saving equipment. Meanwhile, two teams are on standby at the Naval Education and Training Command, San Antonio, Zambales to respond to citizens in need.

Aside from these, three teams from NFSL are ready to be deployed to Camarines Sur and along the shorelines of Legaspi City. The Navy’s Patrol Gunboat 374 is all set to conduct rescue operations at Catanduanes and Albay if the need arises. Three other teams are also on alert at Infanta, Quezon with 10 Sailors and Marines per team. A team of Navy SEALS are also on standby. Augmenting these teams are naval ROTC cadets.

In Manila, two teams from the Naval Reserve Command (NRC), Intramuros are on standby with 10 personnel each team. They have prepared their rubber boats, trailer trucks, M35 trucks, and other life-saving equipment. Meanwhile, 20 naval reservists are also on standby in Navotas.

Four other teams under the operational command of FMRF are prepositioned at the Marine and Seabees Headquarters at Fort Bonifacio and Philippine Fleet, Cavite City. FMRF has a minimum of 10 teams and maximum of 20 teams depending on the gravity of disaster. These teams are made up of 24 officers and 159 enlisted personnel. Inventory of their equipment include the following: 9 rubber boats, 10 M35 trucks, 3 LARC, 2 ambulance, 1 amphibian truck, and 1 communications van.

The Philippine Navy is continuously monitoring events in relation to Typhoon “Juan”. Its rescue teams are prepared to help residents and local government units. It enjoins everyone to be vigilant and cooperate with local officials to ensure their safety.