QUEZON CITY (PIA) — Top officials of the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) thanked on Monday, Oct. 28, the governments of Singapore and Malaysia for their swift humanitarian response amid relief efforts in the wake of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine (Trami).
DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said, “The arrival of air assets from both Singapore and Malaysia is a significant boost to our relief operations aimed at fast delivery of relief goods to those in need, particularly for communities that are still flooded.
He added, “Time is of the essence, and we are immensely grateful for the support from our ASEAN neighbors during this critical period.”
Also, Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said, “We are deeply appreciative of our neighboring countries in Southeast Asia who have signified their intent to assist us. 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.”
On Saturday, Oct. 26, air assets from Singapore and Malaysia arrived in the Philippines to assist communities displaced by STS Storm Kristine.
Strengthened bilateral relations
Singapore Defense Attaché Colonel Ja-Jin-Dren Mariapan said that the deployment of the C-130 was done upon the request of the Philippine government, adding that the deployment exemplifies the strengthening bilateral relationship between Singapore and the Philippines.
The C-130 aircraft of the Singaporean Armed Forces landed at Villamor Airbase at 1:38 PM, where it was welcomed by Secretary Teodoro, OCD Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, officials from the Philippine Air Force, and Singaporean Ambassador to the Philippines, Constance See.
Shortly after (2:39 p.m.), a Eurocopter EC275 military transport aircraft from Malaysia also arrived, with Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Abdul Malik Kelvin present.
Ambassador Kelvin underscored the importance of the Philippines as a bilateral partner of Malaysia, noting their shared commitment to assist one another in times of need.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force has deployed this aircraft to provide crucial air logistics support for disaster relief supplies to affected communities.
Secretary Teodoro noted that the assistance from both Singapore and Malaysia stems from an agreement among ASEAN members to collaborate during disasters.
“It’s a big deal because imagine a C-130 from Singapore and then from our friends in Malaysia a heavy lift helicopter. This is a big help, especially now that helicopters are needed in Bicol.”
In addition to the support from Singapore and Malaysia, Undersecretary Nepomuceno noted that Brunei and Indonesia have also pledged to send air assets to assist in relief efforts. Furthermore, Taiwan has expressed its intention to contribute aircraft for ongoing relief operations, and any assistance from other nations is warmly welcomed. (PIA DMD)
