MANILA -- Philippine Air Force (PAF) aircraft and personnel are working round-the-clock to provide assistance and relief goods to communities severely affected by a series of earthquakes in Central and Eastern Mindanao.
"A total of 17,000 lbs of relief items such as medicines, food packs, tents, and other essential items donated by various government and non-government agencies Davao, Cotabato and General Santos City via PAF C-130 (cargo plane) on November 1, 2019," Air Force spokesperson, Maj. Aristides Galang said in a statement Saturday.
He said PAF aircraft also transported portable water filtration units and other relief items coming from the Office of Civil Defense to address the lack of drinking water in the affected communities.
"Due to the lack of drinking water, the Office of Civil Defense sent portable water filtration units and other relief items from Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base (in Pasay City) to Davao City via a PAF C295 on November 2, 2019," Galang added.
The PAF’s B-412 combat utility helicopters also conducted aerial reconnaissance on Saturday over Sitio Kapatagan, Barangay Luayon in Makilala, Cotabato where over 90 families are believed to be stranded due to inaccessible roads due to landslides.
"The PAF is on full alert to provide the necessary humanitarian assistance and disaster response needed and is always ready to utilize its aircraft in transporting donations and relief goods," Galang said.
Last Saturday, Malacañang announced the appointment of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to the government’s relief operations in areas hit by two powerful earthquakes last week. (PNA)
