By Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Thursday deployed one of its C-130 aircraft to deliver 1,000 family food packs to typhoon victims in Basco, Batanes, and transport 88 stranded individuals there to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
In a statement, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said the mission was conducted through the efforts of personnel from Tactical Operations Group 2, together with the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, 30th Marine Company, Marine Battalion Landing Team 10, and PAF and Philippine Army reservists.
“This collaborative effort highlights the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ unified commitment to humanitarian assistance, public service, and the PAF’s continued dedication to protecting communities and delivering timely support across the archipelago,” she said.
Aside from the Batanes mission, PAF has also mobilized two S-70i “Black Hawk” helicopters to airlift more than 800 boxes of relief goods from Laoag City to Calayan Island, Cagayan, for communities affected by the Super Typhoon Nando.
“The essential goods, provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Education, were delivered to Calayan to support timely distribution to affected communities,” Basco said.
The mission was carried out by pilots and crew from the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing and ground personnel from Tactical Operations Group 1, in coordination with other uniformed services, including the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Marine Corps, and the Philippine National Police.
“The PAF remains committed to providing swift and coordinated assistance to ensure the welfare and safety of Filipinos during times of need,” Basco said. (PNA)
