Philippine Army Mobilises 4,000 Troops Amid Severe Flooding

Photo courtesy of Phil Star

The Philippine Army has mobilised more than 4,000 soldiers and reservists in response to heavy rains and flooding caused by tropical depression Dante and the southwest monsoon, known locally as 'habagat'.

In a recent statement, the Army announced it is intensifying rescue operations across Metro Manila and Luzon, with torrential rains lashing the region since the week's onset. Fifteen dedicated humanitarian assistance and disaster response teams, comprising 158 personnel from the 2nd, 5th, and 7th Infantry Divisions, are actively engaged in rescue and relief efforts.

Beyond these immediate teams, a nationwide standby force of 593 response units, totalling 4,434 soldiers and reservists, remains poised to spring into action. This significant mobilisation underscores the military's commitment to swiftly addressing emergencies arising from this adverse weather.

As of July 21, Army rescue teams have successfully evacuated 76 individuals from escalating floodwaters, including 70 trapped residents in Barangay Santo Domingo, Quezon City, and six stranded in Marikina's Tumana. The Quezon City rescue operation involved two Light Urban Search and Rescue teams, four military trucks, and six rubber boats.

In addition to on-the-ground rescues, the Army has enlisted reservists to aid in packing and distributing relief goods in regions such as Pampanga and Palawan. The Army's spokesperson, Col. Louie Dema-ala, affirmed their commitment, stating, "The Philippine Army is dedicated to protecting and assisting Filipinos during these severe weather conditions. Our troops will continue collaborating with local government units and volunteers for timely interventions."

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), over 1.4 million Filipinos have been affected by the intertwined impacts of the southwest monsoon, tropical cyclone Crising, and a low-pressure area. The NDRRMC clarifies that ‘affected’ encompasses individuals experiencing injury, illness, displacement, or damage to their homes and livelihoods due to the disaster.

In a coordinated effort to streamline aid distribution, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has activated all nine Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites. These facilities will serve as logistical hubs for preparing and distributing relief packages, further bolstering the national response to this crisis.

The Army's ongoing efforts and readiness to deploy resources demonstrate a robust commitment to safeguarding communities in the face of natural adversity. With weather conditions remaining unpredictable, their vigilance and proactive measures are more critical than ever in mitigating the calamity’s impact and facilitating rapid recovery for affected regions.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Phil Star 2025-07-23