MANILA, (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has authorized the use of a presidential Bell 412 helicopter to deliver emergency supplies to communities isolated by Severe Tropical Storm Trami in the Bicol region, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said.
Marcos earlier ordered full deployment of PAF and other transport assets for rescue, relief, and rehabilitation in response to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
The PAF deployed the helicopter alongside Black Hawk and Huey aircraft to transport relief goods from Legazpi City to Libon, Albay, areas heavily impacted by the storm locally known as Kristine.
During a situation briefing at Naga City Hall Saturday, Marcos promised continued assistance to affected Bicol communities until conditions normalize.
The President announced additional medical teams would be deployed to support local healthcare workers in the region.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development has distributed over 277,000 family food packs nationwide since the storm began Tuesday. The relief effort comes as authorities report at least 81 storm-related deaths, with dozens more injured or missing.
“This operation highlights our commitment and readiness to use all available air assets for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations,” the Air Force said in a statement.
The presidential helicopter’s deployment is part of a broader emergency response that includes international assistance, with Singapore and Malaysia sending military aircraft to support relief efforts. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
