PH officials sent assistance team from Malaysia

PHILIPPINES officials on Saturday dispatched a Malaysian government disaster management team to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, expressing deep gratitude for the quick response to the country’s call for help.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) led the departure ceremony to honor the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), which played a critical role in providing humanitarian assistance following the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Christina (international name: Trami) last week.

The mission, conducted on October 26, involved the use of a Eurocopter EC725 Caracal long-range transport helicopter, flown by a team of 16 crew members.

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Malaysian government for its prompt response to our request for assistance. Your support during this critical time has been invaluable in our recovery efforts following Severe Tropical Storm Christina and is an example of our strong partnership in times of need,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in a press release.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Deputy Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said the RMAF’s contribution has made a significant difference in recovery efforts in the Bicol region, which was the worst hit by the tropical cyclone.

“Their prompt and effective support not only provided needed assistance, but also strengthened our bonds as we work together to overcome this tragedy,” Nepomuceno said in a statement.

Also present at the send-off were Lt. Gen. Steven Parreño, Air Force chief; Major General Aristotle Gonzalez, Chief of the Air Staff; Maj. Gen. Pablo Rustria Jr., commander of the Air Installations and Base Development Command; and Norjufri Nizar Edrus, Deputy Chief of Mission, Malaysian Embassy in the Philippines.

A Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 also delivered 1,500 kitchen kits and 1,500 plastic shelter sheets to Bicol International Airport, while two Indonesian National Armed Forces helicopters (Mi-17V5 and H-225M) participated in humanitarian relief and disaster relief operations . , including for victims of super typhoon Leon (international name: Kong-ray).

“These joint efforts highlight the strength of partnerships within ASEAN, reaffirming the commitment to regional stability and resilience in the face of natural disasters,” the ROC said.

Command Center

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has reactivated its Inter-Agency Coordination Group (IACC) to oversee emergency operations under Teodoro.

The IACC operates 24 hours a day from the OCD Command Center in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

It serves as a one-stop center for emergency operations, monitoring and coordination with partners, stakeholders and implementing agencies.

“We hold daily briefings to ensure prompt and adequate action against natural disasters,” Teodoro said.