Manila: The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday placed its humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) teams on red alert for possible relief missions amid the expected onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi).

According to Philippines News Agency, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala stated that 149 disaster response teams, comprising 1,946 regular soldiers, reservists, and Cafgu Active Auxiliary (CAA) members, are prepared for deployment in the 8th and 9th Infantry Divisions. These divisions cover Bicol and Eastern Visayas, the two regions directly in Opong's path.

"In addition, 1,610 soldiers, reservists and CAA members are placed under red alert in various Army units to augment rescue and relief efforts across Luzon," Dema-ala said in a statement. The PA has strategically embedded personnel in command centers of provincial and local disaster risk reduction and management offices to ensure coordinated efforts with partner disaster response agencies.

"The PA also continues to assist in relief and recovery work in communities that bore the brunt of Super Typhoon Nando earlier this week," Dema-ala added. The PA's 5th Infantry Division has already deployed eight disaster response teams consisting of 81 soldiers with three military trucks for relief and recovery operations across Northern Luzon, which was severely impacted by Nando (international name Ragasa).

PA chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete assured the public of the operational readiness and commitment of their HADR units in serving communities during calamities. "As an integral part of your dedicated Army, our HADR units are ready to provide essential support and immediate assistance to communities affected by these calamities," he affirmed.