By Priam Nepomuceno

REPACKING. Personnel from the Philippine Air Force, along with other uniformed services and government agencies, join efforts to repack relief goods for families affected by Super Typhoon Pepito in Catarman, Northern Samar. Assets and personnel of the Philippine Air Force are deployed and several others on standby for humanitarian assistance and disaster response. (Photo courtesy of the PAF)

MANILA – Assets and personnel of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) are deployed and several others on standby for humanitarian assistance and disaster response following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Pepito (international Man-yi) across Luzon and parts of Visayas over the weekend.

Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the Tactical Operations Group 8 (TOG-8) deployed two teams to Oras, Eastern Samar and Catarman, Northern Samar.

Meanwhile, Tactical Operations Group 4 (TOG-4) conducted preemptive evacuation operations in Lucena City with the local disaster personnel.

“The PAF reaffirms its steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and properties. Through close coordination with local authorities, the PAF ensures the effective delivery of relief and recovery efforts to communities affected by (Super) Typhoon Pepito,” Castillo said in a statement.

Air assets include transport aircraft like the C-130, C-295, F-27 and NC-212i; utility helicopters like the Huey II, Super Huey, B-205A, UH-1H and S-70i “Black Hawk” choppers.

Also included are search and rescue helicopters like the S-76A and W-3A “Sokol”. (PNA)