SIATON, Negros Oriental – Personnel of the 11th Infantry (Lapu-Lapu) Battalion, Philippine Army together with other law enforcement agencies assisted the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Region 7 in repacking assorted relief goods for families affected by COVID-19 pandemic, a press release from the 3rd Infantry Division said.
Aside from conducting joint mobile patrols with the PNP and manning of different Quarantine Control Points (QCPs) in the province, the 11IB also sent troops to assist the different LGUs in hauling, repacking, and distributing of relief goods to various municipalities and cities in the unit’s Area of Operation.
John Marc M Salatandre, Manager/Warehouseman VI of DSWD – Field Office VII said the DSWD lacks manpower as of the moment, without the help of the different law enforcement agencies that personally offered help, the repacking and distribution process of the relief goods to different cities and municipalities might get delayed.
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the 11th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army and other Inter-Agency Task Force members in helping us to speed up the repacking of relief goods,” Salatandre added.
For his part, 11IB Commanding Officer, LTC Ramir Redosendo said, “Extending help and support to all government’s relief efforts especially in times of crisis is part of our mandate of serving the people and securing the land. Rest assured that your 11th Infantry Battalion will continue to help you fight COVID-19 and will make our unit available for you at any time of the day.
The joint effort of the Army, Coast Guard, PNP, and other volunteers in fast tracking relief efforts only shows that the spirit of Bayanihan is still present to every Filipinos during these trying times, the press release added.
Relief goods from the DSWD will soon be distributed to the families affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine period being implemented by the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental.
