LESSON 5: PHILIPPINE ARMY’S ROLE IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT

LESSON OUTCOME:

a.) to learn the importance of Ph ARMY’s role in disaster management in times of calamities.

b.) to know the prevention and capabilities of army management dealing hazards and disaster.

1. Introduction

A collaborative term used to encompass all activities undertaken in anticipation of the occurrence of a potentially
disastrous event, including preparedness and long term risk reduction measures.

2. Definition of Terms

1. Natural.

a. Typhoon. China Sea. Typhoons are annual occurrences and the most frequent cause of disaster in the Philippines
and have a severe impact on large parts of the country.

b. Storm surge. An atmospheric disturbance manifested in strong winds accompanied by rain and often by thunder
and lightning. Storm surges often accompanied by typhoons sometimes cause severe damage to coastal areas.

c. Flood. Is the overflowing by excessive water onto an area which is normally dry. It is estimated that 47 % of the
average annual rainfall is due to typhoons. There are strong indications that the flood risk has increased significantly
due to deforestation. Flooding severely disrupts the economic and social activities of the people.

d. Volcanic Eruption- is the process wherein molten rock materials (magma) are emitted or ejected in the form of
flowing masses and stream

from a crater vent fissure. Volcanic eruption usually results to the displacement and evacuation of people living within
the danger areas around the erupting volcano. It also causes disruption in economic and social activities of the people
and the loss of lives and destruction of properties.

e. Earthquake- are ground vibrations caused by volcanic activity. These occur without notice. Earthquakes usually
trigger landslides. Strong earthquakes may result to severe destruction of properties, infrastructures, economic facilities
and vital utilities.

f. Tsunami- are very large ocean waves caused by underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption and are sometimes
loosely called “tidal waves”. Tsunamis have affected Philippine coastal areas up to four meters above sea level.

g. Landslide- It is the dislodging and falling of a mass of land and rocks. Landslides are mostly triggered by excessive
rainfall as in the Southern Leyte tragedy in February 2006 or by earthquakes as what happened in Baguio City in July
1990.

h. Drought- it is a long period without rainfall. Drought which is becoming common in the Philippines brings damage
to crops which lead to economic losses and disaster declarations.

2.Man-made Disasters.

a. Fire- Rapid and persistent chemical reaction involving the combination of combustible material and oxygen that
releases heat and light.
Uncontrolled fire results to destruction of properties and severe physical and psychological injuries or even resulting to
loss of lives. Fire is caused by various origins ranging from faulty electrical wirings, overloading of electrical equipment,
negligent and irresponsible use of heat emitting devices, to arson.

b. Conflagration- It is a large disastrous fire involving numerous buildings/houses or structures.

c. Maritime Disasters- are ill-fated events that occur at high seas causing excessive damages, injuries and loss of lives.

d. Land and Air Accidents- are unplanned or unforeseen events or circumstances that may occur either on air or on
land resulting mostly from ignorance or carelessness.

e. Oil Spill-h Fallout of oil or similar substance from a container resulting to environmental hazards. Oil spill usually
occurs at the sea and is caused by the mishandling of vessels containing the substance or from sea mishaps or
accidents as what had happened in Guimaras on 11 August 2006.

f. Civil Strife- Social unrest with violent activities, destruction of properties, and chaos resulting to injuries.

g. Pollution- it is the contamination of water, soil, or atmosphere by the discharge of noxious substances especially
gaseous, chemical or organic wastes. Pollution causes hazards to the environment and health.

h. Red Tide- Presence of toxic chemicals or pollutants in coastal waters that extremely affects natural resources
resulting to food poisoning and deaths.

3. Army's Role in the Disaster Management Cycle

Based on the Calamities and Disaster Preparedness Plan, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is tasked to establish
communication linkages and make these available for disaster operations; assist the PNP in providing security coverage
in disaster areas; assist in the reconstruction of damaged national and local roads, bridges, structures and facilities;
assist in providing transportation facilities for the rapid movement of rescue relief supplies and personnel; evacuation
of victims; and to organize reaction teams in all military installations.

1. Development.

During the development stage, Army units participate in capability building and organizational development activities.
Army units in the field of engineering, medical services, communication and information technology may be tapped to
provide inputs in policy making and long term development planning.

2. Prevention.

In the prevention stage, the Philippine Army supports the efforts of the government for disaster prevention. Army units
may participate in identifying and implementing engineering interventions. Engineering units may be tapped to
conduct mapping and related studies as well as the construction of protective facilities depending on the capacity of
the concerned government entity. The Philippine Army also participates in security operations to prevent high profile
terrorist attacks that may result to disasters.

3. Mitigation.

During mitigation stage, Army units play an important role in supporting government’s efforts in disaster mitigation.
The Army engineers in support role may be tapped by disaster coordinating councils to assist in the structural disaster
mitigation activities such as de-silting of river systems or repair of public structures that pose hazards to citizens.

4. Preparedness.

In the same manner as in mitigation, the Army plays a vital role for disaster preparedness. Army units participate in joint
disaster preparedness planning together with the member agencies and the disaster coordinating council to come up
with a sound plan to cope with effects of disasters.
The following stages in preparedness segment are elucidated to identify actions that the Army shall undertake:

a. Threat. As part of preparedness, Army units shall identify hazards, critical areas, and effects of these hazards.

b. Warning. During the warning stage, Army units shall closely monitor warnings or signals announced by
appropriate government agencies and be ready to execute measures relative to the warning.

c. Precaution. Utilizing available capabilities, Army units shall assist the local disaster coordinating council in
the conduct of evacuation.

d. Disaster Impact. At the impact of disaster, and when situation permits, Army units shall initiate immediate
response during the critical moments to those affected primarily to save lives.

f. Recovery. The recovery segment may take three stages –restoration, rehabilitation and reconstruction. At all
stages, the Army’s role is to support the government’s efforts to restore public utilities, rehabilitate affected
communities and reconstruct vital infrastructures.

3.1. Command and Control Process

1. Commander

The officer assigned overall responsibility for disaster operations.

2. Command Staff Officers

Provide specific support to the Commander with functions that are not directly involved in service delivery.

a. Public Information Officer- The single media point of contact.

b. Safety Officer- Responsible for identifying safety issues and fixing them.

c. Liaison Officer- Point of contact for agency-to-agency issues.

3. General Staff

Provides the management of the delivery of emergency response services.

a. Administration- Accounts for and manages the costs generated by ongoing operations

b. Operations- Plans and executes Incident Action Plan.

c. Logistics- Provides the support necessary to carry out the plan.

3.2. Functional Components for the Army Disaster Operations Unit and it's Capabilities

1. Fire Services

The Philippine Army has a very limited firefighting capability especially on its lower unit levels. Only HPA and the Inf Div
thru their PEDs have fire trucks.

2. Engineering

The PA Engineer units can construct and rehabilitateroads and bridges, buildings and related facilities.

3.3. Engineer Unit Found in the Present Army Organization

These are units of the Army which have limited water rescue capability. Mentioned below are the units which have the
watercraft and underwater equipment:

a. DEAR Coy

b. RCDGs

2. Nuclear, Biological, Chemical

At present, the Philippine Army has no NBC capability in all its units.

3. Canine

On a limited scale, the Army is capable of tracking victims of disaster with the use of the Army Canine Coy.

4. Medical Services

The Army has medical units spread throughout the archipelago.

a. HPA level - FBGH

b. Inf Div Level - ASH, Medical Coy

c. Other PA Major Units - Medical Platoon

d. Bde/Regiment Level - Medical Platoon

e. Bn Level - Medical Section

5. Communications

The Philippine Army communications capabilities can establish communication linkages and make these available for
disaster operations. The communication component can provide and maintain continuous and reliable communications
and adequate warning system throughout the impending and existing disaster and calamities.

All units of the Philippine Army have their own signal equipment per TOE. following units below or may be integrated
with other agencies with communication capabilities:

a. HPA level - Signal Group

b. Inf Div Level - Signal Battalion

c. Other PA Major Units - Signal Platoon

d. Bde/Bn Level - Signal Pltn

6. Transport

The Philippine Army provides transport services utilizing organic vehicles of its units. Vehicles of other units may be
pooled into one to expand capabilities and maximize results. This can be obtained from any of the following units:

a. HPA level - ASCOM, SEB, HHSG

b. Inf Div Level - FSSU, SSBn

d. Bde/Reg/Bn Level - Transportation Pltn

7. Public Information

PA PI component is to provide information updates on disaster situation and actions being undertaken. It is necessary
in order to synchronize actions, avoid confusion and prevent further damage.

a. HPA level - OACPA, CAG

b. Other Major Units - OG7s

c. Inf Div Level - Div OG7/CMOU

d. Bde/Reg/Bn Level - Bde S7 Sec

13. Security

The Philippine Army in all its unit levels has the capability to provide for its own security. Security assistance may be
provided to the local police unit as necessary. Reservists may be utilized to provide additional security in any occasion
that there would be lack of disaster management groups.