Army reservists deployed for Taal eruption HADR operations

Around 50 active members of the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) were initially deployed to rescue residents of Talisay, Batangas, during the Taal Volcano's eruption.

These reservists, part of the 1303rd Community Defense Center, National Capital Region - Regional Community Defense Group, were led by Army Lt. Col. Francisco Ramos.

More reserve units, including the 401st and 402nd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalions, are being deployed to assist affected families in Batangas and Cavite.

As of January 16, 2020, there are 277 reservists on the ground, with more expected to report.

These reserve troops are serving as force multipliers for the Philippine Army's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

The 403rd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion in Laguna has also been augmented to help in the affected areas.

Reservists were already on the ground monitoring the situation even before the eruption, allowing them to immediately assist when evacuation efforts began.

Over 3,000 families from Talisay and nearby towns have been evacuated and provided with essential necessities.

Lt. Col. Ramos highlighted the readiness and preparedness of reservists for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations.