The Philippine Army has deployed humanitarian assistance and disaster response teams to help communities affected by the recent earthquake in General Santos City, Sarangani, and Davao Occidental.
On June 11, Army responders cleared blocked roads to restore access to isolated communities and delivered aid to families affected by the quake.
In General Santos City, Army personnel supported response operations of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, while the Emergency Response Company conducted relief and disaster response activities in Barangays Labangal, Calumpang, Apopong, and Fatima.
A sustainment team also deployed a mobile water purification system at the General Santos Medical Center to provide safe drinking water to patients, watchers, and hospital personnel.
The water filtration system was later moved to Purok Filomena in Barangay Calumpang, where it continues to supply potable water to affected residents.
Additional disaster response teams from the 603rd Infantry Brigade are assisting local authorities in Kiamba, Maitum, Maasim, Lake Sebu, T’boli, Lebak, Kalamansig, and Palimbang.
The teams are helping conduct damage assessments, validate reports, and coordinate response operations in affected areas.
Meanwhile, two Urban Search and Rescue teams from the 525th Combat Engineer Battalion have been deployed to Davao Occidental to support search, rescue, and retrieval operations.
The Philippine Army said its humanitarian response teams are working closely with national government agencies and local government units to ensure timely and coordinated assistance for quake-hit communities.