PHILIPPINE officials sent off the Malaysian government disaster management team at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday, expressing profound gratitude for the swift response to the country's cry for help.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) led the departure ceremony to honor the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), which played a crucial role in providing humanitarian assistance following the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) last week.
The mission, conducted on Oct. 26, involved the deployment of a Eurocopter EC725 Caracal long-range transport helicopter operated by a team of 16 crew members.
"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Malaysian government for their swift response to our request for assistance. Your support during this critical time has been invaluable in our recovery efforts following Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, and it exemplifies our strong partnership in times of need," Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in a news release.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said RMAF's contributions made a significant difference in recovery efforts for the victims in the Bicol Region, hardest hit by the tropical cyclone.
"Their prompt and effective support has not only provided essential aid but also strengthened our ties as we work together to overcome this tragedy," Nepomuceno said in a statement.
The send-off was also attended by Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño, PAF commanding general; Maj. Gen. Aristotle Gonzalez, chief of Air Staff; Maj. Gen. Pablo Rustria Jr., commander of the Air Installation and Base Development Command; and Norjufri Nizar Edrus, deputy head of mission of the Embassy of Malaysia in the Philippines.
A Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 also delivered 1,500 kitchen kits and 1,500 shelter-grade plastic sheets to Bicol International Airport, and two Indonesian National Armed Forces helicopters (Mi-17V5 and H-225M) participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, including for victims of Super Typhoon Leon (international name: Kong-rey).
"This collaborative effort underscores the strength of partnerships within Asean, reaffirming the commitment to regional stability and resilience in the face of natural disasters," the OCD said.
Command center
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has reactivated its Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (IACC) to oversee emergency operations under the leadership of Teodoro.
The IACC operates round the clock from the OCD Command Center in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
It serves as a one-stop shop for emergency operations, monitoring and coordination with partners, stakeholders and implementing agencies.
"We conduct daily briefings to ensure quick and appropriate action against disasters," Teodoro said.