By Brian Campued
The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) expressed their gratitude to the Singaporean and Malaysian governments for sending air assets to aid ongoing relief operations in areas affected by the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
A C-130 aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force and a Eurocopter EC725 transport helicopter from the Royal Malaysian Air Force arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday (Oct. 26).
Transport of relief items—such as kitchen kits, shelter repair kits, family food packs, medical supplies, and clean water—from various agencies for distribution commenced on Sunday (Oct. 27), according to the Philippine Air Force.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. welcomed the arrival of air assets, calling it a “significant boost” to the Philippine government’s humanitarian efforts.
“This assistance is crucial for the fast delivery of relief goods to those in need, particularly for communities still submerged in water. Time is of the essence, and we are immensely grateful for the support from our ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) neighbors during this critical period,” Teodoro said.
Civil Defense Administrator Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno, likewise, thanked other Southeast and East Asian nations who have signified their intent to assist the national government—with Brunei, Indonesia, as well as Taiwan expressing their intent to provide assistance.
“This solidarity exemplifies our shared commitment to helping one another in times of crisis. Any support from our regional partners is invaluable as we work together to recover from this calamity.”
OCD has also deployed its Rapid Deployment Team (RDT) to Naga City to oversee the acceptance and distribution of relief goods for communities affected by the onslaught of “Kristine” in the Bicol Region.
According to Nepomuceno, the OCD serves as the logistics coordinator for all relief supplies transported via aircraft.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Martin Romualdez also hailed the Singaporean government for playing an “invaluable role” in delivering aid to hardest-hit areas, which underscores the strong bilateral ties between the Philippines and Singapore .
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa pamahalaan ng Singapore, lalo na kay President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at sa kanilang embahadora dito sa Pilipinas, si Ambassador Constance See, para sa kanilang maagap na pagtulong sa ating bansa,” Romualdez said.
“Ang tulong na kanilang ipinadala, lalo na ang C-130 aircraft mula sa Singapore Air Force, ay magagamit natin sa mabilis na paghahatid ng relief goods sa mga lugar na lubhang naapektuhan ng bagyo,” he added.
—avds