The Philippine Army continues to conduct search and rescue operations in areas hit by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao on June 8.
On June 10, the Army’s 18-member Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team carried out search, rescue, and retrieval operations for reported missing persons at a collapsed supermarket in Barangay Calumpang, General Santos City.
Army troops and other responders also assisted in the air casualty evacuation of four rescued residents from Balut Island, located at the southern tip of Davao Occidental.
The Army has deployed around 253 personnel to General Santos City and other affected areas, while some 607 others remain on standby alert for possible deployment.
The Office of Civil Defense has designated the Armed Forces of the Philippines as the lead agency for search and rescue operations following the powerful quake.
The Philippine Army said it continues to coordinate with national government agencies and local government units to ensure a timely and organized response, including rescue efforts in collapsed structures and the delivery of assistance to displaced families.