Private helicopters needed in ‘Pablo’ rescue, search

MANILA, Philippines – The government is asking owners of private helicopters to assist in the ongoing search, rescue and relief operations in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said: “In keeping with the tradition of private sector involvement in humanitarian efforts following calamities, we call on companies and individuals to coordinate with the Eastern Mindanao Command for the use of private helicopters to transport much-needed relief goods and resources to afflicted provinces at the soonest possible time.”

At least 780 people are still missing in the two provinces, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The companies and businessmen should coordinate their efforts with Lt Gen Jorge Segovia, commanding general of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command who has been tasked by President Benigno Aquino III as the ground commander of all search and rescue operations in the two provinces, Lacierda said. The EastMincom may be contacted via cell phone number 0917-620-1980.

“General Segovia and the troops under his command have tirelessly worked for the betterment of our countrymen in Mindanao in the wake of this calamity. Theirs is an example of heroism that we call on others to emulate. The work continues and hope remains strong as we relieve, rebuild, and restore stricken communities in the south,” Lacierda added in a statement.

A veteran intelligence officer, Segovia used to be the commander of the 10th infantry division based in Mawab, Compostela Valley, until his promotion to the EastMincom this year. – Rappler.com

Click on the links below for more:

• UK pledges P22.2-M for ‘Pablo’ relief efforts
• EU pledges P160-M in aid for typhoon survivors
• ‘Pablo’ agri damage climbs to P11.57-B
• ‘Pablo is a warning’
• Cateel, a week after Pablo