The Philippine Air Force (PAF) extended its gratitude to Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia for their invaluable contributions to the relief operations in the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).
The PAF recognized its international partners in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations during a recognition and awarding ceremony at the PAF Multi-Purpose Gymnasium at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Thursday.
In his speech, PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño expressed his gratitude to the international partners for exemplifying the spirit of bayanihan (cooperation).
“I am reminded of the spirit of bayanihan, a cherished Filipino tradition rooted in communal unity, cooperation and shared responsibility to help one another through life’s challenges,” he said, as quoted in a PAF news release over the weekend.
The ceremony was attended by contingents from Republic of Singapore Air Force headed by Maj. Goh Meng Hui, Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) headed by Maj. Thaddeus Raphael ak Azis, and Royal Brunei Air Force headed by Lt. Col. Muhammad Azmi Bin Haji Aflon, together with their pilots and crew.
The RMAF’s EC725 Caracal long-range transport helicopter, which arrived Oct. 26 operated by a team of 16, flew out of Villamor Saturday and was sent off by PAF officials.
Severe Tropical Storm Kristine brought torrential rains and violent winds from Oct. 21 to 25, triggering widespread flooding and landslides and killing at least 150 people. A total of 115 were hurt and 29 remained missing, as of Oct. 31.
Latest data also showed more than 150,000 houses and 764 infrastructure facilities were damaged; hundreds of roads and bridges affected, worth PHP6.4 billion; and over 63,000 hectares of crops estimated at PHP2.9 billion destroyed. (PNA)
