MANILA: The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has mobilized two helicopter units and three C-130 cargo aircraft to assist communities in the Bicol Region, which remain isolated following the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, internationally known as Trami. The deployment aims to provide crucial aid and resources to the affected areas.
According to Philippines News Agency, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. informed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during a situation briefing at Malacañang Palace that the 205th Helicopter Wing and the 505th Search and Rescue Group are actively deploying rotary assets to the region. The President has instructed military and uniformed services to fully utilize their manpower and resources for the relief efforts.
Teodoro emphasized the importance of maintaining an “air bridge” to ensure continuous delivery of aid and personnel to the affected communities. He also highlighted the necessity of developing multiple supply lines to sustain relief operations, especially conside
ring the possibility of another incoming weather system.
In a separate announcement, the PAF confirmed the swift mobilization of three C-130 cargo aircraft to support ongoing rescue and relief operations. PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo stated that one C-130 aircraft transported assorted relief supplies from the Office of the Civil Defense, flying from Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, to Bicol International Airport. Another C-130 aircraft delivered relief supplies from Davao to Bicol International Airport.
Additionally, a humanitarian assistance mission involved a C-130 cargo aircraft transporting 14 rubber and fiber boats equipped with outboard motors from Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City to the Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay. This flight also facilitated the deployment of Search, Rescue, and Retrieval teams from the Tactical Operations Wing Southern Luzon and the Philippine Army’s 525th Combat Engineer Battalion.
Col. Castillo noted that the PAF’s rapid response and res
ource mobilization demonstrate its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during calamities.