THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) has shifted its earthquake disaster operations from active search to long-term rehabilitation, deploying hundreds of personnel and multiple air assets to deliver critical relief across affected southern regions.
During Wednesday’s Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, EastMinCom spokesperson COL Ma. Rosa Cristina Rosete-Manuel disclosed that the command has already transported 2,463 tons of assorted food packs and relief goods, benefiting over 37,250 individuals.
The massive logistics pipeline relies on 17 specialized teams—comprising 221 active-duty personnel—along with seven air assets working in close coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and local disaster offices.
“Right now, our teams are fully engaged in rehabilitation efforts,” Manuel said, noting that their deployment footprint has adjusted to match the evolving needs on the ground. “Our humanitarian assistance and disaster response teams deployed in Sarangani province remain on heightened alert as these efforts continue.”
Crucially, the military spokesperson lauded the growing capability of local government units to handle localized emergencies, which has allowed regional military assets to serve as a strategic reserve.
Disaster response units under Joint Task Force (JTF) Diamond, JTF Agila, and JTF Sinaya are currently on hold, ready to move at the request of local executives.
“Our local disaster response units from the cities and municipalities are actively responding,” Manuel emphasized. “The available assets from EastMinCom units are on standby for whatever assistance is needed. This is a very good development on the part of our local units, as we can visibly see their local capability and resilience in responding to the situation.”
In addition to rehabilitation forces, EastMinCom is keeping its specialized search, rescue, and retrieval units on high alert to backstop ongoing operations or respond to potential secondary hazards.
