The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has announced its readiness to respond to emergencies and support disaster response operations as the typhoon season approaches.

General Romeo Brawner Jr., AFP Chief, has ordered the pre-deployment of quick reaction teams, search and rescue units, and humanitarian assistance teams to be on standby in all unified commands and joint task forces nationwide.

According to AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, the troops are pre-deployed in engineering brigades, CMO battalions, and communication teams in high-risk areas to ensure rapid response. The AFP's readiness is continuous, not just seasonal, to ensure prompt assistance during disasters.

The AFP has closely coordinated with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for troop deployment. Prepositioning of relief goods, evacuation assistance, rescue and retrieval, medical response, road clearing, debris removal, and communication restoration are critical aspects of their preparation.

To enhance response capabilities, the AFP has equipped quick reaction teams with rubber boats, military trucks, ambulances, satellite phones, portable generators, and other necessary assets.

Additionally, the AFP conducts various training programs such as disaster response and rescue operations, combat lifesaver training, and water search and rescue drills for troops, cadets, and reservists. They also engage in multi-agency simulation exercises with NDRRMC and OCD to ensure seamless coordination with civilian responders.

Located within the Pacific Ocean's "Typhoon Belt," the Philippines experiences around 20 typhoons annually. The typhoon season is set to begin this month, as per the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).