Monday, October 18, 2010

Navy Rescue Teams Dispatched to La Union Today

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Monday, 18 October 2010

The Philippine Navy’s Disaster Response and Rescue Teams (DRRT) based in Manila and Cavite left for La Union today, 17 October 2010. The teams will augment the DRRT of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon Command (NFNL) to readily respond to residents in affected areas in the Northern Luzon region where Typhoon “Juan” is expected to hit the strongest.

Past 2 PM today, two DRRT from the Philippine Fleet were dispatched to NFNL. Fourteen officers and personnel on board an M35 truck brought along with them 2 rubber boats and several rescue equipment. Meanwhile two other teams from the Philippine Marines with 30 officers and personnel were also dispatched. The Marine rescue teams are equipped with two rubber boats, one dehaviland boat and other life-saving equipment.

Two other DRRT from Sangley Pt, Cavite City with 31 officers and personnel also left for La Union at 4:05 PM today. The teams carried a DRO Trailer loaded with rescue paraphernalia. The Philippine Fleet is also organizing additional rescue teams as reserve teams after PAGASA reported that “Juan” is even stronger than “Ondoy” that hit the country last year.

Also at 9 AM today, a 17-men team from the NFNL Headquarters was dispatched to Vigan, Ilocos Sur. The team is now prepositioned at the capitol awaiting deployment.

Since last Friday, 15 October 2010, the Philippine Navy has put its DRRT on alert status before “Juan” made a landfall. These DRRT were prepositioned in Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL), La Union, Naval Forces Southern Luzon, Legaspi City, and Manila and Cavite under the operational command of the Fleet-Marine Ready Force.

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.

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