Army soldiers to cut meal allowance for Mindanao quake victims

PHOTO FROM PHILIPPINE ARMY

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army will donate to the victims of the recent series of earthquakes in Mindanao by sharing a portion of their meal allowances.

“Every donation will be deducted from each Army personnel’s subsistence allowance for the month of November, which is equivalent to two meals. Other contributions will also be accepted either in cash or in kind,” said Army’s acting spokesperson Col. Patricio Ruben Amata in a statement Wednesday.

Soldiers have also joined rescue and evacuation operations to assist the victims of the devastating earthquakes.

At least 22 people were killed from a magnitude 6.6 earthquake that jolted Tulunan, Cotabato on Oct. 29, and a magnitude 6.5 earthquake that hit Tuluan and parts of Mindanao on Oct. 31.

Over 30,000 people were displaced from their homes, with about 24,000 taking shelter in evacuation centers. /kga