Army to join relief operations for Sendong victims, cancels parties

MANILA, Philippines – In the thick of rescue and relief operations for typhoon “Sendong” victims, soldiers assigned in Cagayan De Oro City and neighboring provinces will have no respite during Christmas.

Major General Victor Felix, commanding general of the Army 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan De Oro City, has canceled Christmas parties for his troops.

“We already postponed our Christmas parties. General Felix had them postponed. No party,” 4ID spokesman Maj. Eugene Osias IV said over the phone on Sunday.

“He told us today it’s better to celebrate Christmas helping those in need. It’s not good to celebrate when others are in despair,” Osias said.

He said the troops would donate, instead, the food and money meant for their parties to the relief operation.

Osias said the death toll in the city alone has reached 252.  He said their troops have recovered 147 bodies.

He said the survivors urgently needed potable water due to destroyed water systems, and food.