Military aircraft from Singapore and Malaysia arrived in the Philippines on Saturday to assist with ongoing relief operations following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
A C-130 cargo aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and a Eurocopter EC725 transport helicopter from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) landed at Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday evening, according to the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
These aircraft are set to play a crucial role in bolstering the PAF’s ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations in areas affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, as stated by PAF Spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. welcomed the arrival of the aircraft alongside Malaysian Ambassador Dato Abd Malik Castelino, Singaporean Ambassador Constance See, and PAF Commanding General LtGen Stephen Parreño.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) noted that the deployment “highlights the strong bilateral and defense ties, as well as the close cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts” between the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Singapore and Malaysia dispatched military aircraft after the Philippine government requested assistance to conduct humanitarian efforts, as many areas remained impassable due to flooding and landslides caused by Kristine, particularly in the Bicol Region.
Troops have been working diligently to clear debris to allow land vehicles carrying relief goods to reach vulnerable communities.
In addition to Singapore, OCD Administrator USec. Ariel Nepomuceno mentioned that at least two other countries—Malaysia and Indonesia—have committed to sending C-130 aircraft, helicopters, and other air assets to expedite the delivery of relief supplies to storm victims.
Meanwhile, Taiwan has also reportedly expressed a willingness to send a military aircraft for assistance.
Furthermore, the PAF utilized the Bell 412 Presidential helicopter to deliver essential relief supplies to storm-hit communities in the Bicol Region upon directive from President Marcos Jr.
The Presidential chopper transported goods from the Tactical Operations Group 5 base in Legazpi City to Libon, Albay, facilitating rapid air distribution of relief supplies to impacted areas.
The PAF also noted that Black Hawk and Huey helicopters were utilized during this mission.
In addition, the Philippine Army (PA) intensified its relief operations in Camarines Sur, one of the areas hardest hit by Kristine.
Two Urban Search and Rescue Teams (USAR) from the 525th Combat Engineer “Forerunner” Battalion distributed approximately 1,100 food packs and 18 boxes of drinking water to families in Barangays San Miguel, San Ramon, Umbao, Causip, and San Roque in Bula town.
The PA also mobilized additional mobility assets and personnel to assist flooded residents in other regions of Bicol.
The Army leadership assured full support for HADR teams deployed in various areas to conduct swift and effective rescue and relief operations in close coordination with local government units and national government agencies.