AFP set to face ‘Glenda’ challenges

MANILA, Philippines—With Typhoon “Glenda” laying down her fury in Albay, the Armed Forces of the Philippines are set to face the challenges that the Metro Manila-bound disturbance would bring.

Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief, said Tuesday that the troops are ready in the incident that they are needed in the frontlines.

“Of course part of the mission of the AFP is to help,” Zagala said. “We have prepared major units to assist the different disaster reduction and management councils should they need us.”

Zagala said that the AFP would provide the manpower especially in rescue and search operations.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, Commander of the AFP 7th Civil Relations Group, said 100 rescue personnel and 10 vehicles are in standby across Metro Manila under the Joint Task Force National Capital Region.

JTF NCR includes the Search and Rescue Unit of the Philippine Army, the Rescue Teams of Civil Military Affairs Brigade, 51st Engineering Brigade and some Naval units.

Brigadier General Manuel Gonzales, Commander of JTF NCR, has directed his units to position in strategic locations in Metro Manila.

Not to be outdone, the Northern Luzon Command would also deploy its units, together with the cadets of the Philippine Military Academy.

Major Emmanuel Garcia, AFP 1st Civil Relations Group Commander, said that Nolcom activated their Disaster Response Task Force Tuesday.

In case of a severe disaster, the cadets from the PMA would be the support of the troops.

Zagala said that despite being the support group against “Glenda” they would spring to action in cases where people need to be rescued.

“We won’t wait if something happens,” Zagala said.

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