DAVAO CITY, Philippines. (02 November 2019) – Evaluating the geographical configuration of the earthquake-affected areas, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) established its most strategic staging area in Davao City for its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations starting last Thurs, Oct 31.

Davao City has all the support system, accessibility to seaports, airports and roads and proximity to the distressed provinces.

While Task Force Tabang Mindanao headed by Commodore Gregorio I Adel PCG is in Davao City, its Operational Center (OPCEN) was established at Headquarters Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao Conference Room.

The organizational structure of the said Task Force was crafted following the Incident Command System (ICS) model that would fit in the OCD, RDRRMC/CDRRMC structure in order to harmonize its common goal. Likewise, the TF Tabang Mindanao will harmonize and coordinate its efforts to the different Regional Offices of OCD, RDMMC/CDRRMC, DSWD, DOH, AFP and PNP that are also providing similar humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

As directed by PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Joel S Garcia PCG Ph.D. H.D. Al-haj, the PCG, together with the PCG Auxiliary, has continued to pull out all its resources and relief goods to be transported to Davao City.

PCG has currently deployed the following assets and personnel: ten wheeler boom trucks from Manila, 15 pick-ups, six ambulances, one PCG Islander, 285 handheld radios, three Search and Rescue (SAR) Dogs, two Explosive Sniffing Dogs, ten doctors, and 12 nurses.

In addition, two PCG Ships (BRP Bagacay and MCS 3010) from Zamboanga City loaded with assorted relief goods are expected to arrive in Davao Port.  Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has committed trucks to transport relief goods to nearby affected areas while waiting for the arrival of PCG boom trucks.