Grateful PH officials send off Malaysia disaster management team

MANILA – 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 from 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 mssion 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.

Meanwhile, multibillion pesos worth of international aid poured in from the European Union (EU), United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Taiwan in response to the devastation left by Kristine.

The EU approved 1.5 million euros (approximately P94 million) in humanitarian aid to Bicol and Calabarzon; the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office has a donation of USD150,000 (approximately P8.7 million) as a "gesture of Taiwan's compassion and solidarity for Philippine individuals, families and communities" affected by the storm; and the UAE government will donate 33,000 boxes of family food packs and drinking water in regions that bore the brunt of Kristine.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that as of Nov. 1, a total of 2,028,282 families (7,953,766 persons) residing in 11,414 villages in all 17 regions have been affected by Kristine and Leon.

Of the total, 81,716 families or 311,980 persons are in 1,980 evacuation centers while 88,304 families or 431,596 individuals, are receiving aid outside.

The damage to agriculture and infrastructure was placed at P4.43 billion and P6.82 billion, respectively, while 155,121 houses were damaged.

Government and non-government organizations have so far provided P996.6 million worth of assistance.

The 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. (PNA)