7.8 magnitude quake

MILITARY forces have shifted from combat to critical lifesaving operations in Southern Mindanao, deploying specialized asset convoys, mobile kitchens, and water purification units to communities reeling from a recent destructive earthquake.

Under the banner of Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila, troops have intensified humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations across the hardest-hit zones in Sarangani Province and Davao Occidental. 

Working in lockstep with local government units and state welfare agencies, the military is racing against time to stabilize vulnerable areas and secure supply lines.

Heavy assets deployed to ground zero

In Glan, Sarangani—one of the municipalities bearing the brunt of the seismic wallop—the Philippine Army has established a tactical relief hub. 

The military has deployed its specialized mobile kitchen and water purification system, a critical logistical asset capable of mass-producing hot meals and turning raw water into safe, potable drinking water for thousands of displaced residents.

Officials on the ground described the deployment as a “critical lifeline” because local infrastructure damage has left several communities without reliable access to clean water or electricity.

Fortifying the food supply chain

Further east in Malita, Davao Occidental, JTF Agila fortified government stockpiles on Saturday, June 13. 

Soldiers offloaded a massive cache of emergency provisions at the Department of Social Welfare and Development warehouse, including:

• 1,000 family food packs
• 1,584 ready-to-eat food boxes

Meanwhile, in Sarangani Province, infantrymen have been repurposed into logistical manpower—manning repacking stations, securing transport convoys, and executing orderly distributions to prevent chaos in high-stress disaster zones.

‘Ready to protect, ready to rebuild’

The mobilization has united the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the DSWD, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and waves of civilian volunteers.

Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of both the 10th Infantry Division and JTF Agila, praised the rapid pivot of his troops from frontline security to disaster relief.

“In times of adversity, our soldiers stand ready not only to protect our communities but also to help them recover,” Luzon said. “Together with our partners, JTF Agila remains committed to bringing timely assistance, hope, and reassurance to every affected family.”

As aftershocks continue to threaten the region, JTF Agila officials stated that military personnel and assets will remain embedded in the affected provinces indefinitely to spearhead the transition from emergency relief to long-term rebuilding efforts.