AFP and US Marines plan for current and future relief operations
US Marine Corps News
10/11/2009 By Lance Cpl. Abigail M. Wharton, Marine Corps Bases Japan
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and US Marine Corps have moved the focus of their humanitarian assistance operations from the provinces of Manila to more Northern areas surrounding East and West Pangasinan, Oct. 9.
Areas of the Northern Philippines have been flooded due to water released from reservoirs above dams in the aftermath of Typhoon Pepeng.
“In the aftermath of flooding from the release of reservoir water to overt the catastrophe of breaking dams, the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade relocated & commenced operations to provide emergency rescue capabilities and support the Armed Forces of the Philippines Friday,” said Brigadier Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, commander of a the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “Additionally, we flew reconnaissance missions to ascertain the extent of destruction and flooding in able to formulate plan of action.”
“Most importantly, we and the AFP established a Combined Coordination Cell at Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac City, the headquarters of AFP northern command,” Brilakis added.
“The CCC was designed to coordinate between the US and Filipino forces,” said Colonel Roldolfo Santiago, head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines CCC site. “Since we don’t have identical procedures, this facilitates coordination and interoperability.”
Right now the pressing issue is to evaluate the areas impacted by the flooding and provide humanitarian assistance to those in greatest need.
“The current task is to assess sites to conduct a medical relief program to service those requiring immediate medical attention,” Santiago said.
The USS Harpers Ferry and USS Tortuga were prepositioned in the Lingayen Bay in order to provide ship to shore rescue operations.
“The mission will require unique support from both land and sea,” said LtCol. Raphael Hernandez, operations officer for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, CCC.
The native of El Paso added that the capabilities between the Amphibious Squadron 11’s Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters, currently onboard the ships, will provide a significant positive impact in rescue operations.
Requests for assistance have been made to the CCC from the National Disaster Coordination Counsel and the Providential Disaster Coordination Counsel, Brilakis said.
“CCC has taken the requests and is looking to fill ones that require uniquely military capabilities,” he added.
Currently, several teams composed of members of the AFP and Marines are surveying areas near Lingayen Bay for medical, transportation and engineering problems.
“The general assessment of both sides is that there can only be limited engineering intervention, but we will deploy our assets as needed,” Santiago said.
As the AFP and US Marines make plans for current and future relief operations, they do not forget that this has affected people on a personal level.
“This was horrible,” Brilakis said. “Combined effects of the hurricane and typhoon can be measured in pesos, man hours and relief goods, but the misery it has brought to the Filipino people is incalculable. However, the spirit of the Philippine people and their ability to smile in the face of such adversity has been incredible for me to witness.”
The bond between the AFP and the USMC has only grown from this opportunity to work together.
“The results of operations conducted demonstrate the level of interoperability we desire,” Santiago stated. “We have had a few minor kinks, but in general everything has been effective.”
“The cooperation and professionalism of the AFP has been superb,” Brilakis said. “III MEB could not conduct such quick and effective missions as it does without the AFP. From private to general officer, they have proven to be great partners and professionals.”
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
