CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division has deployed 23 personnel from its Emergency Response Company and essential equipment to assist in the Bicol Region following the devastation caused by Typhoon Kristine.
The Army’s 8th ID Emergency Response Company arrived at Matnog Port, Sorsogon, together with 200 other personnel from the 8th Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (8RDRRMC) to assist in rescue and relief efforts in the Bicol Region on October 25, 2024.
Typhoon Kristine brought heavy rains, strong winds, and widespread flooding, creating an urgent need for aid in the hardest-hit areas, particularly in Bicol.
In an October 24 press statement, Capt. Jefferson Mariano, head of the division’s public affairs office, announced that Brig. Gen. Perfecto Peñaredondo, Acting Division Commander, directed immediate support for local government units in evacuation, rescue operations, and relief distribution.
Mariano said the team composed of one officer and 22 rescue personnel departed in the evening of October 24 to augment other government personnels conducting humanitarian mission in Bicol.
Mariano highlighted that troops are equipped with specialized rescue gear, transport vehicles, and medical supplies to ensure swift and efficient aid delivery to affected communities. In coordination with the Office of Civil Defense and local disaster response agencies, 8ID is focusing on safety, security, and the prompt provision of relief.
“As we deploy, our priority is safety – both for our troops and the communities we serve,” Brig. Gen. Peñaredondo emphasized. “We will work closely with local authorities, relief organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure a unified and effective response.”
The Philippine Army stands in full solidarity with the Filipino people amidst this calamity. Army soldiers are deployed in various areas to ensure swift and effective rescue and relief operations in close coordination with local government units and national government agencies.
As of 5:00 PM on October 25, Typhoon Kristine, with maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h and gusts up to 115 km/h, had accelerated beyond the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). However, the latest PAGASA report indicated it may re-enter PAR on Monday after looping around the West Philippine Sea.
PAGASA reported that Typhoon Kristine will continue westward over the West Philippine Sea, loop counterclockwise on Sunday and Monday, and then move eastward. This projected path depends on the movements of another tropical cyclone east of PAR and surrounding weather systems. Kristine is expected to intensify over the West Philippine Sea, possibly reaching typhoon status, though a weakening trend may begin early next week due to a surge of northeasterly winds.
Meanwhile, a new low-pressure area (LPA) named “Leon” has entered PAR, according to the Philippine weather bureau. | via Samar Chronicle
