MANILA, Philippines—The Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is deploying reservists and military engineers to Cagayan Valley to help the region get back on its feet following the devastation left behind by Typhoon Ulysses.
The reservists, who also helped enforce quarantine restrictions during COVID-19 lockdowns, would complement government troops already in the region “as the military gears to expedite its post-disaster response operations,” said Maj. Marco Antonio Magisa, Nolcom public affairs chief.
The deployment of reserve forces from Northern and Central Luzon was “expected in the week,” he said. One company, or at least 120 reservists, would be initially sent there.
The plan presented by Nolcom commander Maj. Gen. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. was approved by the AFP leadership. The reservists would report to Joint Task Force Tala of Nolcom in the region.
“By sending them to ground zero, we will have enough manpower in the frontlines as efforts begin to transition to recovery and rehabilitation,” Burgos was quoted as saying.
The deployment of military engineers would help in recovery efforts in Cagayan Valley.
At least 100 Army engineers would come from three engineering construction battalions assigned to Northern and Central Luzon.
“Such is a calculated and proactive move in preparation for the next logical step in post-disaster operations,” Burgos said.
Typhoon Ulysses brought massive flooding to the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela, displacing thousands of people and sending many residents of submerged villages to rooftops.