The Philippine Air Force and counterparts from Singapore and Malaysia performed Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations for communities in Bicol that were affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine on Sunday.
“Using three C-130 aircraft, the PAF transported relief supplies from the Office of Civil Defense and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Two flights departed from Pasay City for Bicol International Airport, and one from Butuan to Naga Airport,” PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s C-130 was able to deliver 1,500 kitchen kits and 1,500 shelter-grade plastic sheets from Pasay City to Bicol International Airport. A Royal Malaysian Air Force Eurocopter EC725 also contributed to its service by delivering essential supplies. Meanwhile, the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAF) deployed a C-295 aircraft to aid the ongoing HADR operations for the affected communities.
“This joint humanitarian effort underscores the strong regional partnership and commitment of the three nations to disaster response, with the timely deployment of these air assets significantly aiding relief and recovery operations in the affected areas,” Castillo said.
Ranking officials from the Department of National Defense and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) expressed their gratitude to the nations that helped by sending aerial aid to provide relief to the Philippines, which is recovering from the aftermath of Kristine.
“This assistance is crucial for delivering relief goods to those in need, particularly for communities still submerged in water. Time is of the essence, and we are immensely grateful for the support from our Asean neighbors during this critical period,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in a statement Monday.
“This solidarity exemplifies our shared commitment to helping one another in times of crisis. Any support from our regional partners is invaluable as we work together to recover from this calamity,” OCD Chief Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said.
Countries that have expressed their intention to provide aerial assistance include Taiwan and Indonesia.
The Singaporean Armed Forces’ aircraft arrived at Villamor Airbase at 1:38 P.M. Teodoro welcomed them, OCD Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, officials from the PAF, and Singaporean Ambassador to the Philippines, Constance See. Additionally, Singapore Defense Attaché Col. Ja-Jin-Dren Mariapan said that the aircraft deployment was upon the Philippine government’s heed.
The deployment shows the strengthening bilateral relationship between Singapore and the Philippines, according to Mariapan.
Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Abdul Malik Kelvin arrived aboard the Eurocopter EC275 at 2:39 P.M.
“It’s a big deal because imagine a C-130 from Singapore and then a heavy lift helicopter from our friends in Malaysia. This is a big help, especially since helicopters are needed in Bicol,” Teodoro said.
According to Castillo, RBAF C-295 aircraft arrived at Villamor Airbase on Oct. 27.
During the aircraft’s arrival, Brunei Darussalam Ambassador to the Philippines Megawati Manan, Air Force chief Lt. Gen Stephen Parreño, other ranking PAF officers, and Lt. Col Muhammad Azmi, Mission Commander from the Royal Brunei Air Force, were present.
“The Brunei C-295 aircraft will play a crucial role in enhancing the PAF’s HADR operations as it joins relief efforts in areas affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. The additional aircraft bolsters the PAF’s capability to reach and support affected communities, providing essential supplies and assistance,” Castillo said.
“The PAF sincerely thanks the Royal Brunei Air Force for their invaluable support in this crisis. This timely deployment underscores the strong partnership between the two nations and their shared commitment to supporting each other in times of need,” Castillo added.