NEGROS OCCIDENTAL (PIA) — The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion under Commanding Officer Col. Arnel Calaoagan said their troopers are on alert to respond to any eventualities related to Mt. Kanlaon.
He said his soldiers would serve as first responders to rescue and take on various tasks should the volcano eruption re-occur.
During the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, some 90 soldiers from 79th IB were dispatched to areas ravaged by the fuming volcano, he noted.
“They (79th IB contingent) helped in the rescue of stranded people, distributed aid, helped in hauling of family food packs and other assistance and goods,” he said.
The army colonel noted the greatest challenge his men encountered was convincing families living within the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) to come down and seek safer grounds.
The people’s resistance to evacuate at first was strong, but they eventually agreed to be evacuated for their safety, he added.
In its Facebook posts, the 79th IB soldiers were specifically dispatched to assist families at Sitio Mananawin, Brgy. Masulog, La Castellana Town and in Canlaon City areas.
The army rapidly deployed supplies and personnel to affected areas using their personnel, vehicles, logistics, and infrastructures. (AAL/Lljr/ PIA 6 Negros Occ.)
