About 47 tons of relief goods transported by military troops and trucks based at the Philippine Army (PA) headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, have arrived in areas in the Visayas and Mindanao that were battered by Typhoon Odette on December 16.

“Fueled by their urgent desire to help typhoon-stricken families, starting on Dec. 30, 2021, the troops aboard 21 military trucks traveled for three days and more than 1,000 km. from Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City to deliver much-needed supplies in areas hit by Odette,” PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said on Tuesday.

Southern Leyte Vice Governor Christopher M. Yap received nine military truckloads of relief goods and other essential supplies for his province on January 2.

In collaboration with the PA’s 802nd Brigade, the relief goods will be distributed to the affected residents of the province.

Meanwhile, the remaining relief goods arrived at the headquarters of the 4th Civil-Military Operations Battalion (4CMOBn) under the 4th Infantry Division in Butuan City on January 3 before they are distributed to affected residents of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands in eastern Mindanao.

The 4CMOBn and 901st Infantry Brigade will assist the local government units (LGUs) in the distribution of the relief goods in the areas affected by “Odette”.

In coordination with national government agencies, LGUs, and private sector partners, Army units are working round the clock to provide relief and rehabilitation assistance for typhoon-afflicted communities.

PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. lauded the troops’ role in the multi-agency humanitarian assistance missions for typhoon-stricken communities.

“I encourage our troops to continue their selfless service in easing the burden of our typhoon-stricken countrymen and helping them get back on their feet. Our troops’ steadfast dedication and sacrifices enable our organization to accomplish tasks beyond excellence for the Filipino people and our country,” he added. (PNA)