MANILA – A C-130 transport aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Friday transported some 200 sacks of rice and 300 boxes of food items from Jolo, Sulu to the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City for communities affected by Severe Tropical Storm Crising (international name Wipha) and the southwest monsoon (habagat).
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said this mission is part of the service's ongoing humanitarian relief efforts.
She said this is the first sortie of C-130 flights committed to transport a total of 2,000 sacks of rice and 1,000 boxes of food items donated by the provincial government of Sulu.
"This donation, provided by the Provincial Government of Sulu under the leadership of Governor Abdusakur A. Tan II, reflects the province’s solidarity with fellow Filipinos impacted by the recent calamity," Castillo said in a statement.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense and supported by other military units, will take charge of the goods and lead the distribution to severely affected areas across the National Capital Region and other localities.
Castillo said this critical airlift operation highlights the PAF’s unwavering commitment to delivering timely air mobility support during national emergencies.
"The PAF continues to stand ready to respond to the call of duty, ensuring that vital aid reaches those in need, swiftly and efficiently," Castillo said. (PNA)