This document provides background information on natural disasters that affect the Philippines and the role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in disaster response and relief operations. It discusses how the AFP, through its Disaster Response Task Force, coordinates with civilian agencies to conduct search and rescue missions, provide transportation, medical assistance, and security. The AFP also assists with reconstruction efforts. The document outlines the AFP's disaster response plan and how it undertakes activities in pre-disaster, response, and post-disaster phases in coordination with other government and non-government organizations.
This document provides background information on natural disasters that affect the Philippines and the role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in disaster response and relief operations. It discusses how the AFP, through its Disaster Response Task Force, coordinates with civilian agencies to conduct search and rescue missions, provide transportation, medical assistance, and security. The AFP also assists with reconstruction efforts. The document outlines the AFP's disaster response plan and how it undertakes activities in pre-disaster, response, and post-disaster phases in coordination with other government and non-government organizations.
This document provides background information on natural disasters that affect the Philippines and the role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in disaster response and relief operations. It discusses how the AFP, through its Disaster Response Task Force, coordinates with civilian agencies to conduct search and rescue missions, provide transportation, medical assistance, and security. The AFP also assists with reconstruction efforts. The document outlines the AFP's disaster response plan and how it undertakes activities in pre-disaster, response, and post-disaster phases in coordination with other government and non-government organizations.
OF WHAT IS DISASTER RELIEF AND RESCUE OPERATION • BACKGROUND • ORGANIZATION • ROLE OF AFP IN DISASTER RESPONSE AND BASIC EVACUATION PROCEDURES. • Issues, Challenges, and Lessons Learned in Civil- Military Coordination BACKGROUND • The Philippines is situated in the Circum-Pacific belt, or the Ring of Fire, of the Asia Pacific Region, making it prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons. Through out the course of the country’s history, the Filipinos have been subjected to the ill effects of natural disasters. The ocean and seas which surround the country, while providing wide avenues for international trade and commerce and a source of tremendous marine resources, also serve as spawning areas of destructive typhoons and monsoons. Figure1c. Circum-Pacific Rim ( Ring of Fire ) Tectonic Map of the Philippines showing the different trenches, Philippine troughs and faults, and Trench plate direction. These are the identified earthquake generators. The Ring of Fire is an area of high volcanic activity due to shifts along the fault line. The red triangles refer to known volcanoes and the yellow circles to known earthquakes. The orange line shows a convergent boundary in the earth's crust; this is where two plates are coming together. BACKGROUND cont. • From mid-November to early December 2004, the country was visited by a series of typhoons and tropical depressions. In a span of three weeks, typhoons “Unding” and “Yoyong”, Tropical Depression “Winnie”, and Tropical Storm “Violeta” caused massive landslides and flash floods resulting in widespread destruction, particularly in the eastern coast of the main island of Luzon. Deaths and injuries were recorded at an all-time high with 1,060 casualties reported and with property damage reaching more than 7 billion pesos. BACKGROUND cont. • The heavily-affected areas were covered with a thick layer of mud, fallen trees, and logs. All modes of transportation were paralyzed for several days, making it impossible for government and non-governmental agencies to conduct immediate relief and rescue operations. This series of typhoons and tropical depressions was unprecedented in the country’s disaster management history. BACKGROUND cont. • The complexity of the response needed during the natural disaster went almost beyond the local and even the national government’s coping capability. Several municipalities were isolated for weeks. Access to land transportation was impossible, which hampered a thorough analysis of the situation and the conduct of needs assessment. Military and private helicopters and boats were utilized to shuttle in food, drinking water, and relief supplies, and to evacuate the injured. BACKGROUND cont. • Emergency rehabilitation activities were required to immediately restore life- sustaining services. Continued relief assistance was needed, particularly in remote and inaccessible areas. The disruption of access to safe drinking water and the breakdown of waste management and the risk of outbreaks of water-borne diseases due to decaying corpses threatened the health of survivors. BACKGROUND cont. • During these trying events, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in coordination with civilian government agencies and institutions, responded vigorously and effectively to alleviate the plight of the affected population by conducting immediate rescue and relief operations, and clearing operations to restore lifelines, as well as by conducting reconstruction and rehabilitation operations. BACKGROUND cont. • It may be said that the AFP, despite its limited resources, has established a tradition of excellence in disaster response in particular, and in humanitarian operations in general. • The AFP has consistently shown its steadfast commitment to protecting and promoting the welfare and well-being of the Filipino people. ORGANIZATION Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management • The vital role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the field of disaster management takes root from the provision in the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines (Article II, Declaration of Principles and State Policies, Section 3) which states: “The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.” Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management cont. • The above provision indicates that one of the mandated roles of the AFP is to serve as the protector of the people. • The realization of this provision is best exemplified in times of major catastrophe in which the AFP, along with civilian government agencies and institutions, undertake activities aimed at saving lives, preventing needless suffering, protecting property, and minimizing damages during disasters and calamities. Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management cont. • In order to fully realize the AFP’s role as protector of the people, the AFP, through its Chief-of-Staff, is made a member of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), a civilian-dominated body tasked to establish disaster management policies and guidelines. • The NDCC, a collegial body composed of the major departments under the Executive Branch, also advises the President of the Republic of the Philippines on the status of disaster preparedness programs and the disaster operations and rehabilitation efforts undertaken by the government and the private sector. Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management cont. • In order to become an effective member of the NDCC, the AFP leadership issued Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) Number 15, otherwise known as AFP Calamities and Disaster Preparedness Plan, issued on 11 December 1995. • This SOP sets forth the AFP Calamities and Disaster Preparedness Plan and prescribes the creation of AFP Disaster Response Task Force, including the general guidelines and tasks to be undertaken by AFP units in times of disaster and calamities in support to the NDCC. Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management cont. • The SOP ensures the full utilization of AFP civil assistance capability in search, rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations and in civil reconstruction and development activities. • Thus, disaster response and relief operations are an inherent mission of the AFP units, particularly infantry and other territorial commands. Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management cont. The AFP, through its Disaster Response Task Force, assists the NDCC in the conduct of search, rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations and in the conduct of reconstruction and development activities. Its major functions are to: (a) establish communication linkages for purposes of conducting disaster-relief operations; (b) organize or create disaster-reaction units in all military camps/bases, ready for deployment during disasters; (c) provide medical assistance to calamities/disaster- affected victims; Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management cont. Its major functions are to: cont. (d) provide land, air, or sea transport facilities for the rapid delivery of relief supplies and personnel, and for necessary evacuation of disaster victims; (e) assist the Philippine National Police in providing security coverage in disaster- stricken areas; and (f) Assist in the reconstruction of damaged national and local roads and/or bridges and other public facilities and utilities. Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management cont. • The Disaster Response Task Force performs all these functions in close coordination and cooperation with other civilian agencies, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and political organizations. • Through the Task Force Commander, Disaster Response Task Force coordinates its plans and activities with the following: – NDCC, regional disaster coordinating councils, – Provincial disaster coordinating councils, – City/municipal disaster coordinating councils, and – The Barangay1 disaster coordinating councils. Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management cont. • The Disaster Response Task Force has established disaster coordinating centers in the different Area Commands (military divisions based on geographical locations) all over the Philippine archipelago. • These disaster coordinating centers are often co- located with regional disaster coordinating councils and serve as the Disaster Response Task Force Advance Command Post, which allows for a more effective and efficient coordination between the military and civilian organizations and facilitates speedy decision-making. Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management cont. • The AFP Disaster Response Task Force undertakes important activities in all phases of disaster management, i.e., pre-disaster, disaster response, and post-disaster phases. • The AFP Calamities and Disaster Preparedness Plan prescribes and defines specific activities the AFP units need to undertake in each phase of a disaster, in order to generate better working relationships with other actors in the field. Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management cont. • During the pre-disaster phase, the AFP Disaster Response Task Force reviews and evaluates all disaster management plans submitted by AFP field units and ensures their compliance with pertinent instructions and/or guidelines of the AFP leadership and ensures their conformity with the National Calamities and Disaster Preparedness Plan prescribed by the NDCC. It also formulates contingency plans and submits them to the NDCC. Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management cont. • It activates task groups in the major services and AFP-wide Support and Services units and Area Command disaster coordinating councils and directs these task units to conduct training in accordance with the provision of emergency services in times of crisis/disaster, including drills and exercises in coordination with regional disaster coordinating councils. Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management cont. • In coordination with the NDCC Office of Civil Defense, the AFP Disaster Response Task Force disseminates public information on disaster prevention, control, and safety measures by distributing disaster prevention and response manuals and handouts, as well as audio-visual materials related to disaster management. • It likewise assists local disaster coordinating councils and the local chapters of the national government agencies in disseminating alerts and warning messages to local communities. Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management cont. • During the ‘emergency’ or ‘response’ phase, the AFP regional disaster coordinating councils provide emergency services such as: – Search and rescue – Engineering – Evacuation – First-aid and medical relief – Police assistance/security coverage and – Transportation services – All in coordination with the local disaster councils and the field offices of the different national agencies in the affected areas. Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management cont.
• For instance, search and rescue is coordinated with
the Department of Transportation and Communication through the Philippine Coast Guard. • Engineering and clearing operations are often conducted in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways while medical relief efforts are coordinated with the Department of Health, as well as with NGOs and political organizations. • Additionally, regional disaster coordinating councils assist in providing emergency relief goods such as food, housing, and clothing. Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management cont. • The AFP Disaster Response Task Force also assists in evacuation operations in coordination with disaster coordinating councils, to bring victims of disasters or potential victims of impending disasters to safer areas. • It provides air, land, and sea transportation to transport relief goods, personnel, victims, and other emergency supplies during disasters. • It also conducts damage and needs assessment on infrastructure, agriculture, aquatic resources, animal life, and property. Civil-Military Coordination in Disaster Management cont. • During the post-disaster phase, the AFP Disaster Response Task Force, in coordination with local disaster councils, assesses and determines the nature and extent of the rehabilitation needs or requirements of the affected area and population. • It conducts inventory of available resources for the rehabilitation and restoration, repair, and construction of public buildings, roads, bridges, dams, harbors, and other facilities damaged during the disaster. ROLE OF AFP IN DISASTER RESPONSE AND BASIC EVACUATION PROCEDURES The Roles of the Major Services in Disaster Management All the major services of the AFP organize task groups such as: (1) Engineering units; (2) Medical and dental teams; (3) Communication elements; (4) Transportation elements; (5) Security elements, and other units particular to each major service. The major services direct their respective field units to assist the regional, provincial, municipal and Barangay disaster coordinating councils within their respective areas of responsibility in times of disaster and calamities. The Roles of the Major Services in Disaster Management cont. A.) Philippine Army In coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Engineering Brigades of the Philippine Army provide vital support in the restoration of destroyed public works, such as flood control, waterworks, roads, bridges, power facilities, and other public structures and utilities by providing: (1) heavy and light equipment for rescue and recovery operations; (2) land transportation facilities to transport relief supplies, personnel, and disaster victims and make available communication facilities for disaster-response operations; and The Roles of the Major Services in Disaster Management cont. • A.) Philippine Army cont. (3) assistance in disseminating warnings to the public on impending breaches of dams. In coordination with the National Housing Authority and local government officials, the Engineering Brigades of the Philippine Army provide emergency or temporary housing to disaster victims and assist in the reconstruction of destroyed dwellings. The Roles of the Major Services in Disaster Management cont. B.) Philippine Air Force In coordination with the Department of Transportation and Communication Air Transportation Office, the Philippine Air Force (1)undertakes aerial search and rescue operations; (2) supervises immediate repair of damaged airports, runways, and facilities; (3) attends to inter-agency contingency planning and execution of plan for air crashes outside airport facilities, especially on built-up areas; and The Roles of the Major Services in Disaster Management cont. B.) Philippine Air Force cont. (4) prepares daily weather forecasts, typhoon warnings, and flood outlooks in coordination with the Philippine Atmospheric and Geo-physical and Astronomical Services Administration. • The Philippine Air Force facilitates entry of foreign assistance, provides storage facilities, and assists in the management and transport of assistance for distribution to concerned government agencies: – Food, clothing, shelter, and other basic needs (Department of Social Welfare and Development); – Medicines and medical equipment (Department of Health); – Agricultural assistance (Department of Agriculture); The Roles of the Major Services in Disaster Management cont. B.) Philippine Air Force cont. – Construction materials and equipment (Department of Public Works and Highways); and – Educational materials and school facilities and supplies (Department of Education, Culture, and Sports). C.) Philippine Navy • In cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Navy conducts rescue operations at sea, coordinates movement of rescue vessels, and monitors the conduct of emergency operations. It also assists in transporting relief goods and personnel via sea lanes. Issues, Challenges, and Lessons Learned in Civil-Military Coordination • Continuous capability-building is a pre- requisite of effective disaster management, particularly effective disaster response. • One of the challenges of civil-military coordination in the Philippines is the frequent turnover of personnel in the AFP and in its AFP Disaster Response Task Force and disaster coordinating centers. • This poses tremendous adverse implications on effective coordination for response. Issues, Challenges, and Lessons Learned in Civil-Military Coordination cont. • The AFP likewise lacks standby funds for quick response. While disaster management has been integrated in the AFP’s functions and responsibilities, funding support necessary for the effective performance of these functions remains limited. • This limitation includes the absence of protocols or SOPs governing the release and reimbursement of disaster-response operations costs. • While the AFP has many assets which are being utilized in the performance of its traditional mission and functions and in disaster response, it lacks equipment that is dedicated for disaster operations. Issues, Challenges, and Lessons Learned in Civil-Military Coordination cont. • Limitations prevent the AFP from engaging in prolonged disaster relief and response operations, and should impel civilian institutions to further upgrade their capabilities. AFP units have traditionally played the role of first responders during disasters. • However, it is incumbent upon local government units and civilian institutions to develop capabilities to enable them to take greater roles in disaster management. Issues, Challenges, and Lessons Learned in Civil-Military Coordination cont. • Over-reliance on the AFP could adversely affect the latter’s performance of its basic function, which is to protect the country’s sovereignty and ensure the integrity of the national territory. • Moreover, in order to address the above-mentioned limitations, the AFP should fast-track (i.e. give high priority to) the training of reservists, and utilize them for disaster management activities, to allow the regular force to focus its attention and resources on territorial defense. Issues, Challenges, and Lessons Learned in Civil-Military Coordination cont. • Interoperability between the military and civilian institutions is essential for effective and timely response during disasters. It is important for the military and civilian organizations to have a common understanding of the language used in disaster management. • They should also have a common understanding of the different methodologies and approaches being used in disaster management, e.g., common methodology for Damage and Needs Assessment. Issues, Challenges, and Lessons Learned in Civil-Military Coordination cont. • In order to address the limitations brought by frequent turnover of personnel in the AFP, it would be helpful if civilian institutions, particularly the national agencies, develop a pool of civil-military coordinators who can facilitate smooth interfacing of civilian and military personnel during response and rehabilitation operations. • Despite some limitations, civil-military coordination in the Philippines has proven effective in saving precious lives and in mitigating the sufferings of victims of disasters. Several factors account for the effective civil-military coordination. Issues, Challenges, and Lessons Learned in Civil-Military Coordination cont. • The AFP field units are scattered all over the Philippines, giving it wide reach and comprehensive coverage for disaster management. Its structure allows one-on-one correspondence with civilian institutions, particularly with local disaster coordinating councils. • For instance, infantry division commanders have become members of the regional disaster coordinating councils, brigade commanders are members of provincial disaster coordinating councils, and the battalion commanders are members of city and municipal disaster coordinating councils. Issues, Challenges, and Lessons Learned in Civil-Military Coordination cont. • This organizational complementarities allows effective and efficient coordination between the civilian and military organizations. • The NDCC and Office of Civil Defense are cognizant of advantages and limitations of civil-military coordination in the field of disaster management in the Philippines. Deliberate efforts to address limitations are currently being undertaken while the advantages and the related opportunities offered by such coordination are constantly being pursued, with the end view of building a resilient population and Endnote • 1 Barangay is the smallest and basic political subdivision in the Philippines similar to a sitio or village, usually composed of 100 households. SUMMARY • BACKGROUND • ORGANIZATION • ROLE OF AFP IN DISASTER RESPONSE AND BASIC EVACUATION PROCEDURES. • Issues, Challenges, and Lessons Learned in Civil- Military Coordination