Manila: The Philippine Army (PA) on Wednesday announced that its rescue units are actively engaged in assisting communities affected by Typhoon Tino, coordinating with other government agencies in disaster response efforts.

According to Philippines News Agency, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala reported that the Army has collaborated with government and volunteer responders to evacuate approximately 130,000 individuals across the Visayas region.

In Mandaue City, Army personnel, alongside local government responders, successfully rescued 48 people from heavily flooded areas. Currently, 1,312 Army troops are stationed in Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Northern Mindanao, actively participating in disaster response operations.

Additionally, 5,440 soldiers, Cafgu Active Auxiliaries members, and reservists are on standby to bolster humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) efforts nationwide. “The Army’s HADR teams continuously assist in the subsequent recovery and relief efforts in typhoon-affected communities,” stated Dema-ala.

Apart from manpower, the PA has deployed 34 military trucks to support rescue missions and HADR operations. Dema-ala also noted that PA responders remain vigilant as another tropical depression is anticipated to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday. This potential cyclone will be designated as Uwan upon entering the PAR, as indicated by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.