MAWAB, Davao de Oro — Major General Alvin Luzon, Commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, led an aerial Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) on June 9, 2026, covering earthquake-affected communities in Jose Abad Santos and Balut Island in Sarangani, Davao Occidental, as the Armed Forces of the Philippines continued to expand and sustain its humanitarian and disaster response operations across the region.
The assessment was conducted in the aftermath of a significant earthquake that struck areas within the Davao region, prompting multi-agency coordination at both the national and local government levels. The disaster response effort, led by the military in close partnership with civilian agencies, is among the most extensive currently active in the country.
Multi-Agency Aerial Survey Covers Hard-Hit Zones
The aerial RDANA conducted on June 9 brought together representatives from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Davao Occidental, and local government units (LGUs).
The joint survey was designed to provide a rapid, comprehensive picture of damage on the ground in areas that remain difficult to access by land, particularly Balut Island in Sarangani, where road conditions and geographic isolation have added layers of complexity to relief operations.
According to the 10th Infantry Division's Public Affairs Office, the aerial assessment complemented ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations being conducted by Agila Troopers in General Santos City and other affected areas throughout the region.
Philippine Air Force Black Hawk Evacuates Four Residents from Balut Island
Among the most critical operations conducted on June 9 was the air casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) of four rescued residents from Balut Island, facilitated by a Philippine Air Force Black Hawk helicopter.
The four individuals were transported by air to appropriate medical facilities, a measure made necessary by the inaccessibility of the island following the earthquake. The use of military aviation assets underscored the severity of conditions on Balut Island, where ground access remains severely limited.
The CASEVAC operation reflects the military's continued commitment to ensuring that injured and vulnerable residents in isolated areas receive timely medical care, even when conventional land routes are unavailable.
Agila Troopers Conducting Search and Rescue, Route Clearing Operations
On the ground, Agila Troopers have been conducting a range of disaster response activities across affected communities since the earthquake struck. These operations include search and rescue missions, damage assessment, route clearing, and direct support to LGUs and partner government agencies.
According to the 10ID Public Affairs Office, additional Agila Troopers have been deployed to severely affected barangays in Davao Occidental, with a focus on areas where roads remain impassable. The deployment is intended to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches residents who are currently cut off from normal supply and emergency service routes.
Troops are working in coordination with civilian authorities, pooling resources and manpower to accelerate the pace of relief delivery and the assessment of damage across affected barangays.
General Luzon Stresses Coordinated Action as Key to Effective Response
Speaking during the inter-agency assessment, Major General Luzon emphasized the importance of unity and coordinated action among all parties involved in the disaster response effort.
"Our priority is the safety and well-being of communities affected by this earthquake. Through close coordination with government agencies and local government units, we will continue to provide assistance, support ongoing response efforts, and help communities recover from its effects. We have also deployed additional Agila Troopers to severely affected barangays in Davao Occidental, particularly in areas where roads remain impassable, to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most," General Luzon said.
The General's remarks reflect the broader operational posture of the 10th Infantry Division, which has positioned inter-agency cooperation as a cornerstone of its disaster response doctrine, particularly in geographically complex environments like island communities and mountainous terrain.
10ID's Agila Troopers Maintain Sustained Presence in Affected Areas
The 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, headquartered at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. in Mawab, Davao de Oro, has maintained a sustained operational presence in earthquake-affected areas since the disaster occurred. The division is responsible for military operations across a significant portion of Mindanao, and its disaster response mandate is regularly activated during natural calamities in the region.
The Division's HADR operations are being conducted in parallel with its regular security and community engagement functions, with troopers serving both as first responders and as a stabilizing presence in communities dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake.
In a statement posted by Major Ruben L. Gadut, Officer-in-Charge and Chief of the Division Public Affairs Office, the 10ID confirmed that it remains fully committed to supporting government-led disaster response and recovery efforts for the duration of the emergency.
Ongoing Operations to Continue Until Communities Are Stabilized
As of June 9, 2026, the 10th Infantry Division's HADR operations remain active across multiple fronts, including search and rescue, casualty evacuation, route clearing, damage assessment, and logistical support to civilian authorities. The pace and scale of operations are expected to continue in the days ahead as needs assessments are completed and relief priorities are established.
The involvement of both the Philippine Army and the Philippine Air Force in the response reflects a whole-of-military approach to the disaster, with aviation, ground forces, and inter-agency coordination all playing critical roles in reaching affected populations.
Government agencies including the OCD, DSWD, and local PDRRMO units remain embedded with military operations, ensuring that the response is aligned with both civilian welfare priorities and operational realities on the ground.
The 10ID Public Affairs Office indicated that further updates on the progress of disaster response operations would be issued as conditions evolve in Jose Abad Santos, Balut Island, and other affected communities in Davao Occidental and surrounding areas.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 10th Infantry Division, Philippine Army / Public Affairs Office