The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division of the Philippine Army took part in the 3rd Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on September 10, 2026, at Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City, testing the division's capacity to protect personnel and support civilian communities in the event of a major earthquake.
Alarm Sounded, 'Duck, Cover, and Hold' Executed Across Camp
The drill commenced with the sounding of an alarm signal across Camp Evangelista, immediately prompting all personnel to perform the standard "Duck, Cover, and Hold" procedure. A simulated casualty scenario was incorporated into the exercise to assess how units handle injuries sustained during a seismic event.
The exercise also tested the functionality of essential equipment, communication systems, and mobility assets required for an immediate emergency response, according to the 4ID in a statement released following the drill.
Orderly Evacuation to 4ID Parade Ground
Following the initial response phase, personnel evacuated in an orderly manner to the designated convergence area at the 4ID parade ground for safety checks and personnel accountability. Evaluators and inspectors were deployed at strategic positions throughout the camp to assess participants in real time.
Assessors focused specifically on response time, inter-unit coordination, evacuation procedures, and adherence to established safety protocols, the division said.
HADR Transition Tested Alongside Emergency Response
Beyond the immediate earthquake response, the drill was designed to evaluate the 4ID's readiness to transition into Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations — scenarios in which an earthquake causes mass casualties, damage to facilities, and a need for sustained community assistance.
This aspect of the exercise reflects the dual mandate of the Philippine Army in disaster situations: maintaining internal force readiness while mobilizing to support affected civilian populations.
After-Action Review Identifies Gaps and Best Practices
The drill concluded with a consolidation session and After Activity Report (AAR) held at the 4ID Grandstand. Evaluators and participating units presented their observations, assessments, and recommendations, identifying both areas of strength and aspects requiring improvement, according to the division's statement.
The AAR format is a standard military tool for institutionalizing lessons from exercises, ensuring that identified gaps are addressed before an actual emergency occurs.
Two Senior Officers Oversaw Coordination and Safety
The exercise was supervised by the office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G3), under Colonel Sandy R. Majarocon, who ensured proper coordination and implementation of the drill across the division. The 4th Installation Management Battalion, led by Colonel Michael O. Sumapig, facilitated troop movement and supported the overall safe and orderly conduct of the activity.
4ID Commander Stresses 'No Rehearsal' in Real Disasters
4ID Commander Major General Marion T. Angcao emphasized that disaster preparedness extends beyond theoretical knowledge of earthquake procedures, stressing that the capability to respond effectively must be actively maintained at all levels of the organization.
"Earthquakes can strike anytime without warning; therefore, readiness must be sustained at all times. In an actual disaster, there is no rehearsal and no opportunity to repeat a decision as lives are at stake," Major General Angcao said. "Every drill is an opportunity to identify gaps, improve our systems, and ensure that we can quickly support our communities when called upon," he added.
By the Numbers
- September 10, 2026 — Date the 3rd Quarter NSED was conducted at Camp Evangelista
- 3rd Quarter — The specific NSED cycle in which the 4ID participated
- 2 senior officers — Colonel Sandy R. Majarocon (G3) and Colonel Michael O. Sumapig (4th IMB) led coordination and facilitation
- 2 venues — The 4ID parade ground (convergence and accountability) and the 4ID Grandstand (AAR and consolidation)
Why This Matters
The Philippines sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire and is among the world's most earthquake-prone nations, making institutionalized drills such as the NSED a critical component of national disaster risk reduction. The 4ID's participation demonstrates the Philippine Army's role not only in national defense but also in civil disaster response through HADR operations. As Major General Angcao noted, the exercise serves to identify systemic gaps before a real earthquake strikes — when there is no opportunity to repeat a decision and lives are directly at stake.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army