Commander of Northern Luzon Command Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr joined the situation briefing tackling the effects of the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Northern Luzon on July 28, 2022, spearheaded by the President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr in Bangued, Abra on July 28, 2022.
The convening of the concerned government agencies aims to expedite the disaster response and relief operations for the quake-affected communities’ recovery and rehabilitation.
In a statement from Lt. Gen Torres, he affirmed NOLCOM’s all-out support for the government’s disaster response operations. He said “ our central office has allocated ten aircrafts for North Luzon, two of which are in Abra ready for use. The said assets can be used to provide support in airlifting food packs for the isolated communities in Abra.
The NOLCOM Commander also added that they have deployed more than 100 personnel to augment the Search and Rescue Operation while about 500 NOLCOM soldiers are on standby for the regions that need their services.
As of July 29, 2022, air assets of the Philippine Air Force such as the S70i Blackhawks, PZL W-3A SOKOL, Super Huey, Huey 2, and UH-1H are working round the clock in conducting disaster relief operations and are aiding other government agencies such as the DSWD, LGUs, and stakeholders in handing out relief goods and immediate assistance to the isolated communities in Abra.
Additionally, AFP has tapped its reservists under the 14th Regional Community Defense Group (14RCDG) of the Reserve Command, Philippine Army to help in hauling and distributing relief packs for the victims of the quake.
Lt. Gen Torres assured the populace that the defenders of the North will be relentless in their operations to ensure the safety of its people, he said “It is our mandated task to serve and protect the Filipino people. Rest assured, that NOLCOM will continue the support and assistance for the residents affected by the quake and ensure that no one is left behind.”(VICTOR BALDEMOR)
