Military aircraft from Singapore and Malaysia arrived in the country on Saturday, Oct. 26, to provide airlift support for relief operations in the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine”.
A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 and a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Eurocopter (EC) 725 helicopter landed at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City along with military contingents from the said countries that will help in the transportation of relief supplies to areas devastated by Kristine.
Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Asst. Sec. Rafaelito Alejandro welcomed the Singaporean and Malaysian contingents.
The OCD said that the deployment “highlights the strong bilateral and defense ties, as well as the close cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts” between the Philippines and Singapore, and Malaysia.
Singapore and Malaysia deployed the military aircraft after the Philippine government requested assistance in conducting humanitarian efforts as many areas remained impassable due to flooding and landslides brought by Kristine, particularly in Bicol Region.
Troops have been working double time to clear the debris to allow the passage of land vehicles carrying relief goods en route to vulnerable communities.
Aside from Singapore, OCD Administrator, USec. Ariel Nepomuceno said that at least two other countries - Malaysia and Indonesia - have committed to send C-130 aircraft, choppers and other air assets to hasten the delivery of relief supplies to the storm victims.
Meanwhile, Taiwan also reportedly expressed willingness to send a military aircraft to help.
Presidential chopper
Further, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) utilized the Bell 412 Presidential helicopter to deliver essential relief supplies to storm-hit communities in Bicol Region upon the directive of President Marcos Jr.
The Presidential chopper transported goods from the Tactical Operations Group 5 base in Legazpi City to Libon, Albay to facilitate rapid air distribution of relief to impacted areas, said PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo.
The PAF noted that a Black Hawk and Huey helicopters were also utilized in the mission.
“This operation highlights the PAF’s commitment and readiness to utilize all available air assets for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations,” she said.