The Philippine Air Force and the United States government deployed aircraft and personnel to assist in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations in Batanes which was battered by typhoon “Julian”.

The PAF sent a C-130 aircraft to deliver essential goods to approximately 14,000 individuals who were affected by the typhoon on Oct. 5.

“The Philippine Air Force remains steadfast in its mission to deliver timely and efficient air transport in support of national humanitarian efforts, demonstrating once again its unwavering commitment to serve the Filipino people,” Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF spokesperson, said on Sunday, Oct. 6.

Meanwhile, two KC-130J Hercules from the US III Marine Expeditionary Force arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Oct. 5 while carrying foreign disaster relief (FDR) equipment and personnel.

The US aircraft departed from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan and delivered crucial HADR supplies for the typhoon victims to restore normalcy and support the affected families in Batanes as they continue to recover.

The following essential items were transported to aid the affected communities:

- 1,000 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) family food packs;

- 1,000 Office of Civil Defense (OCD) shelter repair kits;

- 2,500 International Organization for Migration (IOM) graded tarpaulin sheets; and

- 1,000 IOM kitchen sets

“We are deeply thankful to the US government for their swift response and unwavering support during this critical time. Their assistance is vital as we work to rebuild and provide for our communities affected by the super typhoon,” Department of National Defense (DND) Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Sunday, Oct. 6.

OCD Administrator, Undersec. Ariel Nepomuceno, on the other hand, said the joint mission underscored the “strong partnership” between the Philippines and the United States. 

“We appreciate the commitment of our US counterparts in providing much-needed relief to those affected by this disaster,” Nepomuceno said.

Initially, the KC-130Js were scheduled to fly directly to Batanes. However, following a thorough assessment by US counterparts in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), it was determined that the runway at Batanes airport might be compromised due to the heavy weight of the aircraft. 

Instead, the planes transported supplies to Laoag Airport, from where goods were distributed to Batanes using US MV2 and CH5-1 aircraft.

The mission is part of the US government's ongoing commitment to disaster relief efforts, facilitated through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).