Gazmin to troops: Be ready to help people during disasters

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. PHOTO from AFP Public Affairs Office

MANILA, Philippines—Commemorating the final day of the Disaster Preparedness Month, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told the troops on Thursday to be always on alert to help the people during calamities.

Gazmin’s visit to the headquarters of the Northern Luzon Command in Camp Aquino in Tarlac was part of his rounds throughout the different military camps in the country and conveying the message of disaster preparedness to the troops.

“Prepare to assist our people during calamities,” Gazmin said. “As first responders we must be able to appropriately respond and help our people.”

Major Emmanuel Garcia, 1st Civil Relations Group Commander, said the string of disasters, particularly typhoons, prompted the AFP to step up its disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Garcia added that AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, during his time as Nolcom chief, ordered all military commanders in Northern and Central Luzon to designate an area inside their camps as evacuation centers during calamities.

Gazmin ordered line unit commanders to identify Disaster Rescue and Relief Operations equipment that troops may use effectively during disasters.

A list of equipment would be submitted to Higher Headquarters then to the Department of National Defense.

Lieutenant General Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr., Catapang’s successor as Nolcom chief, assured Gazmin that his troops are ready for any disaster that may strike.

Trinidad added that his troops are well-coordinated with the civilian population for quick responses, and their system was “effectively” demonstrated during the rage of Typhoon “Glenda.”

“Our focus is not only disaster response but preparations of our troops in collaboration with communities before a calamity strikes,” Trinidad said.