Brig. Gen. Inocencio Passaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said Monday, December 20, that he welcomes an unofficial cessation of hostilities between government forces and communist rebels so efforts can be concentrated on assisting residents in Typhoon Odette-hit areas of Negros Occidental.
He said Kabankalan and Sipalay cities were the worst hit areas in the province and they were assisting in clearing operations to reach isolated upland remote barangays.
Army troops from northern and central Negros have been deployed to assist in the relief and clearing operations in badly hit southern Negros, Pasaporte said.
The 303rd IB deployed troops to assist in humanitarian assistance and disaster response relief efforts.
The 79th Infantry Battalion, headed by Lt. Colonel J-Jay Javine, mobilized its Disaster Response and Relief Operation teams to help stranded passengers, for rescue and relief efforts, and, for clearing operations in typhoon-stricken areas.*
The 62nd Infantry Battalion, headed by Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, provided manpower and transportation for evacuation and clearing operations in Central Negros together with City and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Offices.
The 94th Infantry Battalion, headed by Lt.Col. Angelo Guzman, provided manpower and transportation assistance for evacuation and clearing operations in the 5th District of Negros Occidental and 1st and 2nd Districts of Negros Oriental.
Reservists from the Army Reserve Command’s 6th Regional Community Defense Groups and 1st Negros Occidental Ready Reserve Battalion are also conducting disaster relief efforts in various areas devastated by Typhoon “Odette.”*