THE 10TH Infantry Division (10ID) of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) continues its extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) across Davao Region and neighboring provinces severely affected by the powerful Magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck on Oct. 10 at 9:43 a.m.
The main shock was followed by a Magnitude 6.8 aftershock later that evening.
As of noon on Oct. 11, reports from units on the ground under the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division indicate the following cumulative damage across the Davao Region and nearby provinces:
Based on the military’s record for casualties: Eight fatalities and 531 injured individuals.
- Structural damage: 111 houses totally damaged, and 1,019 structures partially damaged.
- Affected families: 70,471 families affected.
- Other incidents: 13 landslide incidents recorded.
Deployment and inter-agency coordination
Troops from various brigades and battalions, including Cafgu Active Auxiliaries, have been deployed to assist affected communities in Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and parts of Agusan del Sur.
Their missions include search, rescue, relief, and clearing operations; patient evacuation; and support to hospital staff, all in coordination with the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Other units remain on standby for possible augmentation.
The Command maintains continuous coordination with the Office of Civil Defense XI, local government units, and other concerned agencies to ensure the safety, immediate relief, and rehabilitation of affected communities within the 10ID Joint Operational Area (JOA).
High-level coordination meeting
A coordination meeting was conducted at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex, Tagum City, to assess the effects of the recent earthquake in the Davao Region, coordinate ongoing efforts, and strengthen inter-agency response and rehabilitation initiatives.
The activity was attended by Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, assistant division commander of the 10th ID, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, Secretary Vince Dizon (DPWH), Secretary Rex Gatchalian (DSWD), Secretary Leo Tereso Magno (Mindanao Development Authority), and other key officials.
Major General Allan Hambala, commander of the 10ID, assured the public of the Army’s continued assistance, stating, “Your Agila Division remains fully committed to supporting the local government units and other disaster response agencies in ensuring the safety and welfare of the affected populace as HADR operations continue in the region.”
