THE Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) has directed all its military units in the Northern part of Mindanao to extend assistance to the communities and government agencies in the post-disaster activities in Cagayan de Oro City, following the flashflood on January 16.
Eastmincom public information officer Major Ezra Balagtey said all its units were directed to closely coordinate with the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and assist the local government unit in attending to their disaster management needs.
"The armed forces were also directed to assist the members of the Philippine National Police in Cagayan de Oro in maintaining order while the affected communities are on the process of recovery," Balagtey said.
During the onslaught of the flood, troops and equipment from Army's 4th Infantry Division, 51st Engineering Brigade and Tactical Operations Group 10 of the Philippine Air Force were quickly mobilized in rescue operations, Balagtey said.
Balagtey said the troops were also deployed in to assist the residents in evacuation areas and help them in their transportation needs.
A low pressure area near Eastern Samar and the tail end of the northeast monsoon brought heavy rains Sunday in Visayas and Mindanao, which caused heavy flooding in some areas, particularly in Northern Mindanao.
Thousands were left stranded in roads, schools and offices after Cagayan De Oro City was submerged in flood waters.