The Philippine Army has mobilized more than 500 soldiers to support evacuation and relief efforts in Albay as Mayon Volcano continues to show signs of unrest. Brig. Gen. Ariel Reyes, assistant commander of the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) and head of Task Force Sagip, confirmed Monday that 35 specialized teams are currently on the ground.
These units are assisting local government units (LGUs) in managing the safety of over 4,000 displaced residents.
The 9ID has placed its transportation and logistical assets on standby at the Albay Public Safety Emergency Management Office (APSEMO).
Reyes assured the public that the military is prepared to scale its presence if the volcano’s status is upgraded to Alert Level 4.
He added that the humanitarian assistance and disaster response component is currently focused on security and relief operations, with readiness to provide additional manpower and logistics to the Office of Civil Defense as the situation develops.
While disaster response remains a priority, military officials emphasized that internal security operations will continue in areas unaffected by the volcanic activity.
Reyes noted that the 9ID remains committed to its dual mandate of disaster relief and counter-insurgency.
During the briefing, the division also highlighted its 2025 performance, reporting 623 insurgents neutralized, captured, or surrendered, along with 39 successful government-initiated engagements and the recovery of 253 firearms and 501 anti-personnel mines.
As of Monday evening, military trucks and personnel remain stationed in key municipalities to ensure the swift transport of relief goods and the orderly movement of evacuees.