MANILA, Philippines — Singapore and Malaysia sent a C-130 cargo aircraft and a Eurocopter to assist in relief and rescue operations in areas devastated by Storm Kristine, the Philippine Air Force said.
PAF chief Ma. Consuelo Castillo said a C-130 cargo plane from Singapore Air Force and a Eurocopter EC725 transport helicopter from the Royal Malaysian Air Force arrived at Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base Saturday.
“These aircraft are set to play a crucial role in bolstering the Philippine Air Force’s ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations in areas affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine,” Castillo said.
Several Black Hawk helicopters, including a presidential chopper, were deployed in Albay and Camarines Sur to deliver food to flood-hit residents.
So far, PAF had mobilized three C-130 cargo aircraft to support rescue and relief operations in the Bicol region.
It also deployed Search, Rescue, and Retrieval teams from the Tactical Operations Wing Southern Luzon and the Philippine Army’s 525th Combat Engineer Battalion.
“The PAF’s prompt response and mobilization of resources underscore its unwavering commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during times of calamity,” Castillo said.
Meanwhile, Philippine Army ground troops distributed aid to families affected by widespread flooding in Bula, Camarines Sur last week. The Army also mobilized additional mobility assets and personnel to help flooded residents in other areas in Bicol.
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