Major General Alvin Luzon, Commander of Joint Task Force Agila, visited military personnel engaged in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations across quake-affected areas in Mindanao on June 19, as part of efforts to assess troop conditions and reinforce morale following 11 days of continuous deployment.
Luzon conducted site visits in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental; Glan, Sarangani Province; General Santos City; and the Headquarters of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade. The areas remain part of ongoing response operations following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the region.
The commander’s visit focused on ensuring the health, well-being, and operational readiness of soldiers assigned to disaster response duties. He also distributed medicines, vitamins, and hot meals to frontline personnel engaged in field operations.
During the engagement, Luzon relayed the Eastern Mindanao Command’s continued support under Lieutenant General Adonis Ariel Orio, particularly in synchronizing air, naval, and other joint capabilities to sustain HADR efforts. He also conveyed the commendation of Philippine Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete, who reaffirmed the Army’s commitment as the primary force provider for personnel, equipment, and other operational requirements.
“The purpose of this visit is to personally check on our troops and ensure they remain healthy, motivated, and fully supported as they continue helping our fellow Filipinos recover from this disaster. Even after 11 days of continuous operations, we must maintain the same commitment, energy, and sense of purpose that we had on the first day of our response and continue serving with compassion and dedication until our mission is accomplished,” Luzon said.
He also conveyed the appreciation of local government units, stakeholders, and affected communities, noting the dedication and sacrifices of military responders in sustaining relief and recovery operations. According to him, their continued presence on the ground has been instrumental in providing assistance and restoring stability in affected communities.
Joint Task Force Agila said it will maintain its humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations in coordination with national and local government agencies until affected areas have fully recovered from the earthquake’s impact.