US aircraft ready to support AFP disaster relief ops — PAF

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Monday confirmed the presence of U.S. military aircraft in the country to assist in disaster response operations, even as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) intensified efforts to assist typhoon-hit communities.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft from the US have been committed to support humanitarian aid and disaster response (HADR) missions, though their deployment will depend on the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), which leads national disaster coordination and identifies priority areas.

“As far as the information that we got, yes—there are aircraft committed by the United States to help in our HADR efforts,” Castillo said in an ambush interview at Camp Aguinaldo. “They include both rotary and fixed-wing assets currently positioned at one of our air bases for ready deployment.”

According to the PAF, the OCD will pinpoint the areas of great concern, with the utilization of US assets following its direction. 

“We cannot say how long they will stay, but they are here and committed to help,” Castillo said.

Meanwhile, the AFP has already mobilized resources to assist those affected by recent typhoons, particularly in Northern Luzon and other vulnerable regions.

As of July 28, the AFP has deployed 50 Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) Teams composed of 445 personnel, primarily under the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM). These teams are supporting operations in provinces that include Abra, Antique, and Batanes.

To transport relief supplies and evacuate stranded residents, the AFP has mobilized 51 KM trucks for ground transport, six Black Hawk helicopters, and one C-130 cargo aircraft, which was scheduled to transport 151 stranded individuals from Batanes to Manila on July 29, weather permitting.

Beyond immediate response teams, the AFP maintains a nationwide posture for sustained operations: 1,113 SRR teams with over 12,455 personnel, 988 land mobility assets, 47 Philippine Air Force aircraft, and 25 Philippine Navy vessels positioned across various commands.

The ongoing cooperation with the United States, including the arrival of U.S. Marine Corps aircraft, reflects continuing bilateral defense ties and the shared commitment to humanitarian and disaster relief, one of the focus areas under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). — RF, GMA Integrated News