(Photo courtesy of the Philippine Air Force)
QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The joint missions between the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) in delivering aid to storm-stricken Bicol Region highlighted the strong partnership between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam, especially in the conduct of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR).
Brunei is among the countries that provided air assets assistance to the Philippines through the PAF.
PAF Commanding General, LtGen Stephen Parreño, has emphasized the “remarkable efforts and commitment of the partner foreign military forces who worked alongside the Philippine forces to ensure efficient and effective HADR operations.”
The PAF and the RBAirF executed a joint aerial relief operation on Nov. 2, bringing critical aid to residents of Calaguas Island in the region’s Camarines Norte province.
“Mobilizing their Black Hawk helicopters, both Air Forces efficiently transported Family Food Packs provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to the island’s residents, who have been severely affected by recent severe weather conditions,” the PAF said.
The mission was conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Army’s ground troops and personnel from the DSWD Region 5 and the Office of Civil Defense.
Brunei earlier deployed its RBAirF C-295 aircraft to bolster the HADR efforts in the storm-hit areas.
The PAF said that with its ample cargo space and robust design, the C-295 is well-suited for delivering essential relief supplies to regions cut off by severe flooding and infrastructure damage caused by the storm.
“The additional aircraft bolsters the PAF’s capability to reach and support affected communities, providing essential supplies and assistance,” it added.
Brunei authorities noted that their deployment of “the second Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) HADR team of 20 crew members and two RBAirF Blackhawk S70i helicopters… are set to play a crucial role in delivering essential supplies including food, water, and medical assistance to communities in the Bicol region affected by Tropical Storm Kristine.”
The PAF added, “The missions underscore the strong partnership between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam, demonstrating their commitment to regional security and humanitarian assistance.”#
