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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PAF deploys Black Hawk to battle wildfire in Homonhon Island

PAF deploys Black Hawk to battle wildfire in Homonhon Island

Published Apr 20, 2026 12:14 pm
(Photo: Philippine Air Force)
(Photo: Philippine Air Force)
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) sent an S-70i Black Hawk helicopter to help contain a grass and forest fire on Homonhon Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar on Sunday, April 19.
Col. Ma. Christina Basco, PAF spokesperson, said the helicopter has completed nine sorties, and for each run, it carried water to targeted sections of the fire line that could not be reached by the ground crew.
The operation was spearheaded by the Tactical Operations Group 8 (TOG-8) under the Tactical Operations Wing Central (TOWCEN).
“Operating in challenging terrain beyond the reach of ground responders, the Black Hawk was equipped with a helibucket system to deliver precision water drops over fire-affected areas,” Basco said on Monday, April 20.
Homonhon Island is known for its rugged terrain and limited access routes. These conditions have made firefighting difficult, especially as dry weather fuels grass and forest fires in remote zones, according to PAF.
Despite the aerial support, the fire continues to burn as PAF crew remained on site to contain the blaze.
“The PAF, alongside partner agencies and LGUs, remains actively engaged in efforts to contain and fully extinguish the blaze,” Basco said.
The mission involves the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council VIII, Office of Civil Defense VIII, Bureau of Fire Protection Eastern Samar, and local government units.

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Philippine Air Force wildfire Homonhon Island Eastern Samar
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