HELPING HAND. A Philippine Air Force troop is seen here unloading relief boxes from a helicopter during a mission for flood victims in Davao Oriental on Wednesday (Feb. 21, 2024). The PAF also responded to two forest fire incidents in the province of Benguet. (Photo courtesy of the PAF)
MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said it has assisted in several disaster response missions in various parts of the country.
The force's helicopters on Wednesday delivered 210 boxes of relief supplies to communities severely affected by the recent floods and landslides in Davao Oriental province.
In a statement, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the helicopters are from Tactical Group 11 and consist of a B-412 CUH and a UH-1H.
With these air assets, the PAF was able to transport relief supplies to Sitio New Dahican in Barangay Old Macopa, Manay, Davao Oriental.
"The PAF’s relief operations underscore its commitment to serving communities during times of disasters and calamities," Castillo noted.
Also on Wednesday, a "Super Huey" helicopter, operated by the 505th Search and Rescue Group responded to two forest fires in Benguet -- one at Mount Camisong in Itogon town and another in Barangay Adonot in Bokod town.
"Performing a series of heli-bucket operations, the aircraft collected water from the Sto. Tomas Water Reservoir and Banao River," she added.
Castillo also added that Tactical Operations Group 1 under the Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon of the PAF, has been coordinating with the Office of Civil Defense Cordillera, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and other local government agencies, to discuss fire suppression strategies.
"No casualties have been reported, while the BFP is still determining the cause of fire," she noted. (PNA)
