The Philippine government has recognized Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member-countries that provided humanitarian assistance following the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” and Super Typhoon “Leon”.
Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia were honored by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) for extending a lending hand during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations for the typhoon victims in Bicol Region (Region 5) and other areas hit by floods and landslides.
The three countries sent military aircraft and highly-skilled response teams to boost the airlift capabilities of the Philippines and transport relief aid to isolated areas due to flooding and landslides.
Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño, PAF commanding general, awarded the military response teams from the three countries in a ceremony held at the PAF multi-purpose gymnasium, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City last Oct. 31.
The ceremony was attended by contingents from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) headed by Maj. Goh Meng Hui, Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) headed by Maj. Thaddeus Raphael Ak Azis, and Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) headed by Lt. Col. Muhammad Azmi Bin Haji Aflon, together with their pilots and crew.
“I am reminded of the spirit of Bayanihan, a cherished Filipino tradition rooted in communal unity, cooperation and shared responsibility to help one another through life’s challenges,” Parreño said on Sunday, Nov. 3.
Parreño stressed that the participation in HADR operations of their foreign counterparts "exemplified dedication to humanitarian principles and showcased the importance of multinational collaboration in ensuring timely assistance to those affected by disasters."
Meanwhile, Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. led the formal send-off ceremony for the Malaysian team at the Villamor Air Base on Saturday, Nov. 2, as they departed after completing their mission.
The mission, conducted from Oct. 26 to Nov. 2, involved the deployment of a Eurocopter EC725 Caracal long-range transport helicopter operated by a team of 16 crew members to aid disaster response efforts.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Malaysian government for their swift response to our request for assistance. Your support during this critical time has been invaluable in our recovery efforts following Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, and it exemplifies our strong partnership in times of need,” he said.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said the contributions made by the RMAF “have made a significant difference” in their recovery efforts for the victims of Kristine in Bicol.
“Their prompt and effective support has not only provided essential aid but also strengthened our ties as we work together to overcome this tragedy,” OCD Administrator, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said.
Aside from the three countries, Indonesia also sent An Mil Mi-17 cargo aircraft and an Airbus H-225M multipurpose aircraft from the Indonesian National Armed Forces last Oct. 31 to help in the HADR operations by the PAF.
The Indonesian team remains in the country while the relief missions are ongoing.
More than 8.5 million people were affected by Kristine and Leon across the country, of which, 809,00 were displaced and seeking temporary shelter in 1,351 evacuation centers.
The combined death toll due to the two weather disturbances reached 150 with 20 persons reported missing.
The estimated cost of damage to infrastructure and agriculture was P12.81 billion as of Sunday, Nov. 3.
A total of 241 areas were placed under a state of calamity due to Kristine and Leon.