Humanitarian team sent to Ilocos’ typhoon-hit town

CAMP FLORENDO, La Union, Philippines — A team has been sent to conduct a humanitarian mission in a town in Ilocos Norte that was isolated by recent calamities.

On Sunday, the team – composed of a police doctor, five nurses, information technology technicians and police and military personnel – went to the town of Adams, which remains inaccessible to motorists for more than two weeks now.

Col. Julius Suriben, Ilocos Norte police director, told The STAR that another group of medical and dental practitioners would be deployed to augment the humanitarian team.

“Regional director Brig. Gen. John Chua ordered us to send a medical team that will serve as temporary health workers as the town needs urgent health assistance. Residents were badly affected by the recent typhoons and the town remains inaccessible for two weeks now,” Suriben said.

He said the team brought with them 1,500 food packs, generator sets, hygiene kits, fuel and other basic commodities.

Clearing operations by personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways as well as local government units were ongoing to make roads buried under mud and rocks passable again.