MAWAB, Davao de Oro — As the ground shook violently across the Davao Region and nearby provinces of Eastern Mindanao earlier today, the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry “Agila” Division wasted no time springing into action—mobilizing troops, helicopters, and heavy equipment for a full-scale disaster relief mission.
Within minutes of confirming the magnitude of the earthquake, the 10ID activated its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) protocols, setting in motion a coordinated rescue and relief effort across affected provinces.
An Emergency Response Company (ERC) was immediately dispatched from the 10ID Headquarters in Mawab to the Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital, where military personnel worked alongside local responders to assist in rescue, evacuation, and medical operations.
Disaster Response Units (DRUs) from several brigades and battalions were also deployed to hard-hit areas, including parts of Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro, to conduct search and rescue missions and distribute essential supplies.
In a bid to assess the full scope of the disaster, Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, Assistant Division Commander of 10ID, along with Brigadier General Allan Jose Taguba of the 701st Infantry Brigade, Colonel Harold Argamosa of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, and Regional Director Ednar Dayanghirang of OCD Region XI, carried out an aerial Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDANA) aboard a Blackhawk S-70i helicopter. From above, they observed widespread damage, including landslides, collapsed structures, and power interruptions across Monkayo, Montevista, and Pantukan.
Preliminary reports have confirmed three fatalities in Davao Oriental and one in Davao de Oro, with several others injured as aftershocks continued to rattle communities. Authorities warned of possible secondary hazards such as landslides and falling debris as rescue teams continue to reach remote mountain villages.
Despite these challenges, Major General Allan Hambala, Commander of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division, expressed confidence in the Army’s readiness and resolve.
“Our soldiers are actively engaged on the ground, collaborating closely with local government units and relevant agencies to safeguard the well-being of our citizens,” Hambala said. “The Agila Division is prepared to meet the immediate needs of our communities during this challenging period.”
Working around the clock, the Agila troopers have become a familiar sight in quake-stricken towns—clearing roads, assisting the wounded, and delivering much-needed food and water to displaced families.
As the sun set over Davao de Oro, the rumble of helicopters and military trucks echoed through the valleys—a sign that even amid destruction and uncertainty, help continues to arrive.
For now, the mission remains clear: to save lives, rebuild hope, and stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Eastern Mindanao.