The Philippine Navy has issued an order directing several Navy Disaster Response and Rescue Teams (DRRTs) within Manila, Cavite and Northern Luzon Areas on standby alert for possible deployment to typhoon affected areas.  

Poro Point, San Fernando City, La Union – As part of the Unit’s continuing commitment to ensure the deployment of a more capable and efficient Disaster Response Teams during typhoons and calamities, Commander, Naval Task Force-40 conducted a readiness inspection aboard NSEO, Poro Point, City of San Fernando, La Union last October 15, 2015 to all the DRRTs in preparation to the threat being posed by Typhoon “Lando” (International Name “Kuppo”) in Region 1.

According to Pagasa, Typhoon “Lando” is expected to land fall in Casiguran, Aurora province late evening of October 17, 2015 and its full impact will be felt early morning of October 18, 2015. 

Relating to this, Commander, Naval Task Force-40 together with representatives from Region 1’s LGAs, DRRMCs of LGUs attended the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment Core Group meeting presided by the Office of Civil Defense Region-1 Director, Dir. Melchito M Castro at OCD-1 Office, SFCLU. The meeting specifically discussed the preparations and actions to be taken to mitigate the impact of Typhoon “Lando”.

In response, Naval Task Force-40 steered by CAPT ALBERT A MOGOL PN(GSC) sends off Disaster Response Teams 1 & 2 late morning of October 17, 2015 to Laoag City, Ilocos Norte and Narvacan, Ilocos Sur to ensure that rapid response will be given in case rescue operation is needed within Ilocos province. Similarly, DRT Teams 3 and 4 are on standby in case La Union and Pangasinan provinces need assistance.

Aligned with the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan”, NDRRMC disaster response protocol and as mandated by Philippine Navy’s mission, Naval Forces Northwest through the NTF 40 will continue to assist in Disaster Response and Relief Operations in Region 1 in order to ensure that the President’s mandate of zero casualty during the onslaught of Typhoon “Lando” will be achieved. Naval Task Force- 40 along with its sailors and marines will continue and never fail the trust and confidence earned from the general public in protecting and saving lives especially during disaster and calamities.

– From the Philippine Navy, Armed Forces of the Philippines

Related:

AFP updates for October 16, October 17

Visit our crisis response page for typhoon Lando.