By Ali G. Macabalang

CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – The 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central have acquired life-saving equipment that will enhance their search and rescue operations during emergency times, according to the 6ID Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO).

In a press statement, the DPAO said a symbolic blessing ceremony was held at the Division headquarters grandstand here on Tuesday, May 21 by 6ID and Task Force personnel led by their commander, Maj. Gen. Alex S. Rillera.

Captain Jake A. Bilbao, the Division Chaplain, administered the blessing rite, with a prayer that the newly acquired Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) and Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) tools could effectively help the 6ID and Task Force Central save lives in emergency strides, it was learned.

“This acquisition is a testament to the commitment of the 6th Infantry Division to enhancing its operational readiness and disaster response capabilities, aiming to safeguard communities and mitigate the impact of natural calamities,” DPAO head Maj. Jay Paris Cabatic said.

Maj. Gen. Rillera was joined by Col. Edgar L. Catu, Division chief of staff, during the symbolic handover of the new equipment by Lt. Col. Josue A. Erie, Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics, DPAO said.

“The WASAR equipment will enhance (our) ability to conduct search and rescue operations in flooded areas. These advancements will significantly improve the chances of saving lives during floods and typhoons, which are all too common occurrences in our country. The CSSR equipment, on the other hand, equips the team to effectively respond to collapsed structures caused by earthquakes or other disasters,” Gen. Rillera during the ceremony.

The 6ID, even prior to the creation of the Task Force Central, has been actively assisting public institutions and private volunteer groups in responding to natural and man-made calamities in the autonomous region and parts of areas in Region XII. (With story from 6ID DPAO)