Manila: Around 269 Philippine Army (PA) troopers and 15 vehicles have been deployed to various areas in Luzon severely affected by the southwest monsoon (habagat) as part of ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations. "Army units have deployed responders to rescue families affected by the widespread flooding in Bataan, Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga and Pangasinan," PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in a statement late Sunday.
According to Philippines News Agency, a total of 2,406 soldiers, reservists, and Cafgu Active Auxiliary members, as well as 277 military trucks and 15 water assets, are on standby for immediate deployment. Col. Louie Dema-ala also mentioned that PA responders assisted local government units (LGUs) in sandbagging operations to mitigate further flooding in low-lying areas across the region, as well as in relief efforts. Meanwhile, the 51st Engineer Brigade has been closely monitoring the situation in the Marikina River for possible evacuation operations amid the monsoon rains.
"The PA's HADR teams are closely coordinating with national government agencies and local government units to help communities affected by widespread flooding due to the monsoon rains," Dema-ala added.
In a related effort, the Philippine Air Force (PAF), through the 505th Search and Rescue Group (505SRG), sent water search and rescue (WASAR) teams to Bacolor and San Fernando, Pampanga, on Sunday. PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco stated that the teams responded to affected areas and worked alongside local disaster response units, PA personnel, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in carrying out rescue and evacuation efforts. "The PAF continues to maintain its search and rescue capability in the area, with personnel and equipment kept ready for possible missions. The deployment forms part of the PAF's HADR efforts to provide timely support to communities affected by emergencies and severe weather conditions," she added.
Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police (NCRPO) has deployed 696 personnel to secure evacuation centers, vital installations, and flood-affected areas over the weekend. "The situation across the National Capital Region remains stable and manageable. Despite the heavy weather, the NCRPO is ready, and our response capacity remains more than sufficient to address any developing situation," NCRPO officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said in a statement.
At least six families in flood-prone villages have been preemptively evacuated to safer areas as 'habagat' rains raised the risk of flooding. Dr. Melvin Manuel, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), noted that the affected families from Barangays 7-B Nuestra Se±ora del Natividad, 29 Sto. Tomas, and 49-B Raraburan are now staying at the nearest evacuation centers. "The heavy downpour caused flash floods because the soil has already been saturated," Manuel said, urging residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel.
Emergency response teams have been deployed to monitor low-lying and coastal barangays and prepare for possible weather-related incidents, according to Manuel. Additionally, two landslide incidents were reported at Sitio Matirem, Barangay Pila, with no injuries reported. Responders were immediately dispatched for clearing operations, and a river wall reinforcement in Barangay Lataag was also damaged due to heavy rains.
The Padsan River and other water tributaries across the province are being monitored as persistent rains may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous and landslide-prone communities. The Department of the Interior and Local Government has urged local governments to carry out preemptive evacuations in flood- and landslide-prone communities, emphasizing early action to protect residents from worsening weather conditions. Families are advised to cooperate with local authorities and ensure their animals are brought to safer ground.
