RMAF Deploys EC 725 AP Helicopter for Humanitarian Mission in the Philippines
The deployment underscores the Malaysian government’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and aims to support the Philippines government by providing aerial logistical aid to transport disaster relief supplies to affected communities.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami), which triggered severe flooding and landslides in the Philippines, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has deployed an EC 725 AP helicopter from No. 5 Squadron, Labuan Air Base, to the country as part of a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission.
According to an official statement on RMAF’s social media, the deployment underscores the Malaysian government’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and aims to support the Philippines government by providing aerial logistical aid to transport disaster relief supplies to affected communities.
The RMAF aircraft departed from Labuan Air Base at 7:00 AM this morning, heading towards Villamor Air Base in Manila.
The flight, expected to take 5 hours and 30 minutes, includes a scheduled refueling stop at Antonio Bautista Air Base.
The mission is led by Major Thaddeus Raphael ak Azis @ Sait of the RMAF, accompanied by a 15-member team comprising two pilots, one co-pilot, two engineering officers, two air quartermasters, five aircraft technicians, and four members of the RMAF Special Forces (PASKAU).
Villamor Air Base will serve as the primary hub for this relief mission, with the team set to deliver supplies to disaster-stricken areas upon request from the Philippines government. Key destinations include Pili Airport in Naga City and Daraga Albay International Airport.
The Philippines Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that 81 people have lost their lives due to the devastating impact of Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) across several regions this week.
According to the Philippines News Agency (PNA), OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said the death toll is still “subject to confirmation” to verify if all fatalities are directly linked to the storm.
“A total of 81 deaths have been reported by our regional offices. The figure will be verified by the Philippine National Police (PNP) before being submitted to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG),” he stated.
More than half of the fatalities were recorded in the Calabarzon region, with 48 deaths, followed by 28 in the Bicol region.
Data from the OCD indicates two fatalities in the Cordillera region, with one each reported in Ilocos, Central Luzon, and the Zamboanga Peninsula.
The number of missing persons has risen to 34, with many feared to be trapped under landslides.
“We hope to find them alive, but many may have fallen victim to landslides,” Nepomuceno added. — DSA
