Personnel of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division actively participated in the first quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. in Mawab, Davao de Oro on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The comprehensive exercise tested the military unit’s disaster response capabilities through realistic emergency scenarios.
The drill simulated a magnitude 7.2 earthquake striking Davao de Oro, with strong tremors affecting the military installation in Mawab. According to a press release from Major Ruben L. Gadut, the division’s public affairs officer, troops and civilian employees immediately implemented standard “Duck, Cover, and Hold” safety procedures upon the simulated earthquake alert.
Multi-Scenario Emergency Response Testing
The exercise incorporated two distinct emergency scenarios designed to evaluate the comprehensive response capabilities of military personnel and civilian staff. The first scenario simulated structural collapse within the camp premises, resulting in simulated casualties that required immediate intervention.
Search and rescue teams were deployed rapidly to respond to the mock structural damage, while medical personnel practiced emergency treatment protocols for the simulated injured. The scenario tested coordination between different units and the effectiveness of established emergency response procedures.
The second phase of the drill presented an additional challenge with a simulated electrical explosion that triggered a fire incident in another area of the military camp. Emergency responders demonstrated their versatility by swiftly transitioning from earthquake response to fire suppression operations.
Fire Suppression and Evacuation Procedures
During the fire emergency simulation, personnel executed evacuation procedures while specialized teams conducted fire suppression activities. The scenario required coordinated efforts between firefighting units, evacuation teams, and casualty rescue operations, testing the division’s ability to manage multiple emergency situations simultaneously.
The drill emphasized the importance of rapid response times and clear communication channels during emergency situations. Personnel practiced established protocols for securing the affected areas, accounting for all individuals, and providing immediate medical assistance to simulated casualties.
Leadership Emphasizes Preparedness Importance
Major General Alvin Luzon, Commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, highlighted the critical nature of disaster preparedness during the exercise. In his statement following the drill, Luzon emphasized that “preparedness is a shared responsibility—through constant training and drills, we ensure our troops are always ready to protect lives and respond effectively in times of disaster.”
The division commander’s remarks underscore the Philippine Army’s commitment to maintaining high readiness levels for natural disaster response. This preparedness extends beyond military operations to include the protection of civilian populations during emergency situations.
Strategic Location and Regional Impact
Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. serves as the headquarters of the 10th Infantry Division, strategically located in Mawab, Davao de Oro. The facility’s position in Mindanao makes it a crucial component of disaster response operations for the southern Philippines region.
Davao de Oro, formerly known as Compostela Valley, is situated in an area with significant seismic activity due to its location along the Philippine fault system. The province has experienced several significant earthquakes in recent years, making preparedness drills particularly relevant for military and civilian populations.
The 10th Infantry Division’s area of responsibility includes multiple provinces in Mindanao, where the unit frequently provides assistance during natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, and flooding events.
National Earthquake Drill Participation
The March 12 exercise was part of the nationwide earthquake drill conducted quarterly across the Philippines. These simultaneous drills involve government agencies, military units, educational institutions, and private sector organizations to enhance overall national disaster preparedness.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council coordinates these exercises to ensure standardized response procedures across different sectors. Military participation demonstrates the armed forces’ integral role in disaster response operations throughout the archipelago.
Previous national earthquake drills have identified areas for improvement in communication systems, evacuation procedures, and inter-agency coordination, leading to enhanced protocols and training programs.
Enhanced Coordination and Future Readiness
According to the official statement from Major Gadut, the hands-on drill successfully strengthened disaster response coordination among different units within the division. The exercise validated existing emergency protocols while identifying potential areas for procedural refinement.
The training ensured personnel readiness to respond effectively to actual emergency situations that may affect military installations or require military assistance in civilian areas. This preparedness directly supports the Philippine Army’s mandate to assist in disaster relief operations.
Regular participation in these drills maintains the division’s operational readiness and enhances the military’s capacity to provide immediate assistance to affected communities during actual earthquake events.
Communication and Public Information
The 10th Infantry Division maintains active communication channels through its Division Public Affairs Office, headed by Major Gadut. The unit provides regular updates on training activities, community engagement programs, and operational readiness through official social media platforms and direct communication channels.
Public information sharing about military preparedness activities helps build community confidence in disaster response capabilities while encouraging civilian participation in similar preparedness activities.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of MAJ RUBEN L GADUT (INF) PA/10th Infantry Division
Stay informed — get Negros Oriental news weekly
Free newsletter, no spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
