Kristine Aid Mission: Air Force team returns safely from the Philippines
KUALA LUMPUR: All 16 officers and personnel from the Royal Malaysian Air Force, along with an EC 725 AP helicopter from Squadron No. 5, who were deployed to the Philippines on October 26 for the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Mission, safely returned to Labuan Air Base last Saturday.
According to Bernama, the Air Force announced that they were deployed to provide assistance and support to the Philippine government in its efforts to help the people affected by severe flooding and landslides caused by Tropical Storm Kristine.
The Air Force successfully carried out nine sorties or flight missions during the HADR operation, which took place from October 27 to November 1, the statement added.
“This involved flights carrying a total of 17.5 tons of aid supplies, including boats with engines (0.82 tons), tarpaulin canvases (8.22 tons), and food supplies in boxes (8.4 tons),” the statement said.
“The success of this mission not only benefited the people of the Philippines affected by the disaster but also further strengthened regional ties between Malaysia and the Philippines in the joint effort to address the effects of natural disasters, while demonstrating the Air Force’s commitment to carrying out HADR operations.”
The Air Force said that before returning, the team was honored by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Philippines, in recognition of their significant role in providing aid.
Meanwhile, Philippine Secretary of Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s prompt assistance.
“Your support at this critical moment is invaluable in our recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Kristine. This demonstrates the close relationship between our two countries, especially when it is needed most,” he said in a statement from the Air Force.
The appreciation ceremony was also attended by senior PAF officials, including Lt Gen Stephen Parreno, Maj Gen Aristotle Gonzalez, and Maj Gen Pablo Rustria Jr., as well as Norjufri Nizar Edrus, Deputy Head of Mission at the Malaysian Embassy in the Philippines.
According to the Air Force, the aircraft departed from Villamor Air Base in Manila to Labuan Air Base at 8 a.m. on November 2, with the flight taking six hours, including a stopover at Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa for refueling.
“The officers and personnel safely arrived at Labuan Air Base at 3 p.m. and were greeted by squadron officers, personnel, and their family members.”