Philippine Air Force (PAF) air assets are placed on standby alert for humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations in connection with Typhoon ‘Pepito.’
According to PAF Spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo, these assets include transport aircrafts (C-130, C-295, F-27, NC-212i), utility helicopters (Huey II, Super Huey, B-205A, UH-1H, S-70i Black Hawk), and search and rescue choppers (S-76A, W-3A Sokol).
“The Philippine Air Force reaffirms its steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and properties. Through close coordination with local authorities, the PAF ensures the effective delivery of relief and recovery efforts to communities affected by Typhoon Pepito,” she stated.
Tactical Operations Groups (TOG) across the country also activated their Disaster Response Task Unit (DRTU) teams, which remain on standby to provide immediate humanitarian operations as required.
The TOG Eastern Visayas deployed two DRTU teams to Oras, Eastern Samar and Catarman, Northern Samar.
These deployments are part of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Eastern Visayas Advance Composite Team, ensuring a swift response to the needs of affected communities.
Meanwhile, TOG Calabarzon conducted preemptive evacuation operations in Lucena City in coordination with the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Utilizing KM450 and M939 vehicles, TOG Calabarzon rescuers safely transported 31 senior citizens, one adult, and two children to West 1 Elementary School in Barangay Iyam, Lucena City.
