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PH Air Force deploys 'Sokol' chopper anew for Batanes relief ops

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
October 10, 2024, 10:09 am Updated on October 10, 2024, 3:02 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Wednesday again deployed its W-3A "Sokol" helicopter to transfer emergency goods and personnel as part of the government's ongoing relief efforts for typhoon-hit Batanes.

It was the second deployment of the Sokol helicopter since Oct. 6, when it flew in relief packs and drinking water to communities battered by Super Typhoon Julian last week.

In a statement late Wednesday, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said this mission was done in collaboration with the Office of Civil Defense and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The helicopter also ferried DSWD personnel to Itbayat, Batanes to distribute cash assistance to affected communities.

"(These relief goods and personnel) continue to provide vital humanitarian assistance in Itbayat, Batanes on Oct. 9, 2024," she added.

Castillo said the "Sokol" helicopter that was deployed is under the operational control of the Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 2 under the Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon (TOWNOL).

"These coordinated efforts are a testament to the Air Force's commitment to supporting the national government's efforts to help affected residents and ensure access to food and clean drinking water during this critical period," she added.

AFP: Drills with US go beyond security

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) touted the importance of annual military drills between Filipino and American troops, such as the "Balikatan" and "Salaknib" exercises.

"The exercises that we do, heavy rin ito, hindi lang naman on defense but also on HADR and itong mga nakikita nyo pong exercises that we do in 'Balikatan,' (and) 'Salaknib' exercises, ito po yung actual na implementation nyan (The exercises we do is not only heavy on defense but also on HADR [humanitarian assistance and disaster response]. You see these being done in the 'Balikatan' and 'Salaknib' exercises)," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on Thursday.

She also underscored the US' assistance in the ongoing relief operations in Batanes province, which was battered by Super Typhoon Julian.

"We are using the training that we have (learned) in real life," Padilla said, referring to the HADR missions being conducted by the AFP and its US partners. (PNA)