By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) remains unrelenting in its aerial relief efforts to deliver needed supplies and health kits to communities in Catanduanes province in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Pepito (international name Man-yi).
Two PAF C-130 aircraft were deployed for relief missions on Friday, according to PAF Public Affairs Office chief, Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo.
One of the aircrafts delivered 1,000 family food packs (FFPs) provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) from Pasay City to Catanduanes.
The other C-130 flew from Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu province, transporting 200 water containers, 150 boxes of hygiene kits, and 250 pails of hygiene supplies from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region VII, Department of Health (DOH), and PAF’s Tactical Operations Wing Central (TOWCEN).
On Saturday, another C-130 aircraft from Lapu-Lapu City delivered an additional 1,000 FFPs from the DSWD.
Meanwhile, a PAF C-295 aircraft transported 100 boxes of FFPs, also provided by the DSWD, further bolstering relief efforts in the region.
“These ongoing operations highlight the PAF’s steadfast commitment to disaster response, ensuring timely assistance to affected communities and reinforcing its role as a vital partner in the nation’s recovery efforts,” Castillo said in a statement Saturday.
Pepito is the country’s sixth tropical system in less than a month. It made landfall in Catanduanes at peak intensity on Nov. 16 and barreled through Luzon, bringing torrential rains and causing widespread flooding in various areas. (With Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)