PILI, Camarines Sur – At least 270 soldiers belonging to the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army were issued rescue equipment and gear by Army Division commander Major General Josue S. Gaversa, Jr., during the weekly flag raising ceremony at Camp Elias recently.

The soldiers, who were trained for Disaster Response Operation, were given life vests, protective helmets, utility ropes and individual rescue gears worth P863,000.

Gaversa said the rescue gear were part of the enhancement capability of the DRO to assure their own safety during rescue operations.

The official said the DRO will also be provided with additional flashlights, rescue boats, chainsaws and generators, as part of their standard equipment during rescues.

9th ID spokesman Major Angelo S. Guzman said in 2010 the Army division in Bicol started to organize and equipped its first DRO platoon to respond to frequent calamities in this region.

The Division command later ordered the creation of DRO platoons in three Infantry Brigades and seven maneuver battalions under the 9th ID to serve during calamities occurring.             Sonny Sales