THE 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion (IB), 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army deployed troops to conduct disaster response and rescue operations to areas affected by floods since late Friday night, January 8, 2020.

79th IB, which has jurisdiction over Northern Negros, took the initiative to mobilized its forces utilizing HADR equipment and five military vehicles to help and support local government units (LGUs) and other concerned agencies in conducting humanitarian assistance, disaster response and rescue operations to ensure the safety of affected residents.

After a series of rescue operations, the Masaligan troopers are still on the ground continuing their mission in assisting the residents affected by the flood.

"Our troops are ready to respond 24/7 to provide the necessary assistance to the people and ensure their safety. We are now closely monitoring the situation in the area in coordination with the LGUs and City/Municipal DRRMOs (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices) to complement their disaster response efforts," Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Alvaran, commanding officer of 79IB, said.