Military disaster response units on alert as ‘Santi’ makes landfall in Aurora

MANILA, Philippines – The military’s disaster response units in Northern Luzon went on alert on Friday as typhoon “Santi” (international codename: Nari) is expected to make landfall in Aurora over the weekend.

“The 7th Infantry Division in particular has directed the 56th Infantry Battalion covering Aurora to prepare for any eventuality and respond if the need arise,” said Major Emmanuel Garcia, acting command information officer of Northern Luzon Command.

The disaster response units of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division and 5th Infantry Division were placed on standby to augment units in assisting local communities in the estimated direct path of Santi, he added.

The 7th and 5th Infantry Divisions hold jurisdiction over Northern and Central Luzon.

Three disaster risk reduction teams, composed of 13 personnel each, from the Naval Forces of Northern Luzon were also sent to Casiguran in Aurora.

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