Thursday, July 03, 2008 US stops aid for typhoon victims
THE USS Ronald Reagan carrier group on Wednesday ended its disaster relief operations support for the victims of Typhoon Frank ((international codename: Fengshen).
The arrival of the carrier group to the Philippines on July 25 is part of US President George W. Bush's commitment to extend the US government's aid to hardly ravaged areas particularly Iloilo Province.
He made the announcement during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's visit to the White House last week.
Since its arrival in the country, more than 300 relief flights have been made by the cargo aircraft and helicopters aboard the US ship.
In support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the US aircraft has also delivered nearly half a million pounds of much-needed rice, bottled water, food and medical supplies and other needed aid including hygiene kits and tarpaulins for temporary shelter.
It has also loaded potable water for the northern coast of Panay due to high demand.
The US ship will sail to the Western Pacific Ocean Wednesday night to continue its regular scheduled deployment.
During the send off, AFP Chief Alexander Yano relayed his gratitude to the US forces, through Brigadier General Jorge Segovia, head of the AFP General Headquarters (GHQ) Augmentation Cell.
"On behalf of the whole nation, I would like to extend my profound gratitude to the US Defense Forces who was more than willing to help our countrymen who suffered the devastating effects of the typhoon," Yano said.
He also stressed that the assistance and support extended by the US to the Philippines underscores the longstanding friendship and camaraderie between the two armed forces.
Because of the joint collaboration between the AFP and US Navy, Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) and national and local governments, the USS Ronald Reagan has accomplished its mission on a high note.
The government has been able to meet the immediate need of delivering relief support to hardly affected areas.
The US government said it will remain abreast of the situation.
Local authorities, on the other hand, have vowed to continue its intensified relief efforts through the assistance of the AFP, PNRC, different agencies and organizations amidst the departure of the USS Ronald Reagan. (VR/Sunnex)
