Manila: The Philippine Army's (PA) humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) units are now conducting rescue and clearing efforts in communities hit hard by Severe Tropical Storm Opong. "Soldiers, alongside local government disaster responders, are working tirelessly to assist families affected by 'Opong'," PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in a statement on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dema-ala stated that the communities affected by Opong are located in South Luzon, the Bicol Region, and Eastern Visayas. In the Bicol Region, the PA's 9th Infantry Division has deployed 56 squads and 40 military trucks throughout the area in close coordination with the Office of the Civil Defense Region 5 (OCD-5).

"Army responders have assisted OCD-5 and other government responders in the safe evacuation of 10,961 families, totaling 38,521 persons, across the provinces of Masbate, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte," Dema-ala added.

Meanwhile, a total of 4,946 soldiers, Cafgu Active Auxiliary (CAA) members, and reservists are poised for immediate deployment in Metro Manila and across Luzon and the Visayas if necessary. "The Army is firmly committed to delivering swift and coordinated disaster response efforts across the country, working alongside national government and local government responders to ensure the safety and well-being of affected families," Dema-ala assured.