Navy boosts rescue ops in Cagayan

The Philippine Navy is increasing its rescue and disaster response operations in Cagayan by deploying additional teams to the province heavily affected by Typhoon Ulysses.

Personnel from the Naval Forces Northern Luzon and Marine Battalion Landing Team-10 are en route to bolster existing rescue efforts led by the Naval Task Group Fleet-Marine Cagayan.

A 14-member team from Naval Base Camilo Osias is already in Cagayan, equipped with a rubber boat and prepared to administer first aid.

Two Water Search and Rescue (WASAR)-trained teams from La Union are also being prepared for deployment to Cagayan with rubber boats and life-saving equipment.

These additional teams, including members from the Naval Special Operations Group-Northern Luzon with WASAR expertise, will augment the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) existing disaster response teams across Region 2.

The deployment of these WASAR teams is currently on standby, awaiting available air assets and favorable weather conditions for transport.

Widespread flooding in Cagayan and Isabela has been attributed to the water released from the Magat Dam following the torrential rains from Typhoon Ulysses.