Multinational coordinating center for typhoon victims set up

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its allies from other countries  on Tuesday  activated a multinational coordinating center to integrate the relief efforts in areas hit by typhoon “Yolanda.”

AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the center was established to ensure the efficient use of assets contributed by the foreign militaries.

“The coordinating center will be able to employ effectively all assets that were contributed so that the relief goods can be delivered to those who need them,” Zagala said.

“These assets must be orchestrated properly because there are a lot of countries involved. This coordinating center is key to have an effective integrated response to the needs of those affected by typhoon,” he added.

The coordinating center is located at Camp Aguinaldo, the AFP’s general headquarters.

A combined joint task force has also been launched to coordinate the humanitarian efforts of militaries that offered to assist in the humanitarian operations.

Member countries include the United Kingdom, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Sweden, Vietnam, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, United States (US), Canada, Spain, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Israel.

The AFP has been placed on red alert to ensure enough manpower for the humanitarian efforts. A red alert places all troops on standby and entails the cancellation of leaves.

Meanwhile, the US on Tuesday launched its own task force that would support the Philippines in conducting disaster relief efforts.

Joint Task Force 505 will be led by Lt. Gen. John Wissler, chief of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force.

The task force’s headquarters will also be located at Camp Aguinaldo.

The task force will work closely with representatives from the US State department, US Agency for International Development and other American agencies to ensure continued, timely and swift responses to requests from the Philippines.

"Because of the long-standing partnership and friendship between our two nations, the US, working in support of the government and Armed Forces of the Philippines, is able to rapidly respond with critically needed capabilities and supplies in times of crisis," Wissler said in a statement.

The task force is composed of nearly 850 personnel on the ground and an additional 6,200 in the USS George Washington Strike Group. An additional 1,000 Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are expected to arrive this week. – Alexis Romero