Cordillerans send aid to Cebu Typhoon Tino victims through “Binnadang”

Baguio City, Philippines – Distance did not matter for Cordillerans in extending much-needed help to Cebu residents still reeling from the devastation left by Typhoon Tino.

Through Binnadang (bayanihan)—the age-old Cordilleran practice of helping those in need without expecting anything in return—police units, volunteers, and community groups across the region worked together to send relief assistance to affected families in Cebu.

Under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Erickson D. Dilag, Director of the Police Regional Office–Cordillera (PRO-CAR), the police force was among the frontliners of the initiative, helping gather, prepare, and transport essential goods and supplies.

In its report dated November 7, 2025, PRO-CAR stated that Camp Major Bado Dangwa in La Trinidad, Benguet, served as the relief hub, where the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 (RMFB15) and the Benguet Police Provincial Office worked hand in hand with the Office of Civil Defense–CAR to collect supplies for the victims.

Volunteers from cooperatives, schools, government agencies, private organizations, and other generous donors arrived throughout the day, bringing sacks of vegetables, rice, canned goods, toiletries, clothing, and other necessities.

Aside from the items gathered at Camp Major Bado Dangwa, the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) also held a donation drive, where additional aid from public and private groups was collected.

Early in the morning of November 8, RMFB15 personnel transported the consolidated relief goods to Clark Air Base in Pampanga, where they turned over the supplies bound for Cebu.

The initial shipment included 6.8 tons of assorted highland vegetables and 52 sacks of rice (25 kilograms each). According to the agency, the remaining donations are already lined up for the next batch of deliveries.

Also instrumental in the effort was Ms. Khristine E. Molitas, Vice Chairperson of the Battalion Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development (RMFB15), who coordinated closely with the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division of PRO 7 to ensure that Cordillera’s aid reached Cebu as quickly as possible.

It can be recalled that Typhoon Tino struck Cebu on November 4, leaving more than 140 individuals dead, over 50 missing, 123 injured, and around 500 houses destroyed.