The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Eastern Visayas has transported another batch of humanitarian assistance to areas in northern Cebu affected by the Sept. 30 magnitude 6.9 earthquake.
A total of 24,290 bottles of drinking water were airlifted to the province Friday via a C-130 aircraft through the joint efforts of the Philippine Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
OCD Eastern Visayas Director Lord Byron Torrecarion said the operation will address the urgent need for safe and potable water among families in Bogo City and nearby towns.
“This mission reflects the compassion and solidarity of the people of Eastern Visayas toward our brothers and sisters in Cebu. It’s a powerful reminder that our commitment to serve transcends regional boundaries,” Torrecarion said in a phone interview Friday.
The mission was made possible through the collaboration between OCD and Tactical Operations Group 8 – Tacloban, with ground support from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Joint Task Group Tacloban, Philippine Army and 546th Engineer Construction Battalion.
On Oct. 2, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, chaired by Torrecarion, also deployed a team from different government agencies to northern Cebu.
They carried with them emergency telecommunications equipment, mobile water filtration units, a water tanker, packs of bottled water, and a mobile kitchen. (PNA)