US military sends disaster relief support to PH after recent typhoons

The United States military has deployed its various assets and personnel to the Philippines to support relief operations in areas affected by Typhoons Tino and Uwan, the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) said on Thursday. 

In a statement, the USINDOPACOM said it is working together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in facilitating rapid response to the recent calamities. 

“The forward presence and ready posture of United States Indo-Pacific Command in the region facilitated a rapid and effective response to these natural disasters, demonstrating the US commitment as friends, allies, and partners during times of need,” the USINDOPACOM said.

“Working in close coordination with the AFP, Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Philippine Office of Civil Defense, Joint US Military Assistance Group, Task Force – Philippines, and US Department of State, the US military deployed a variety of assets and personnel to the Philippines to support with foreign disaster relief operations,” it added. 

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said at least 4.5 million individuals or about 1.3 million families were affected by Uwan, which peaked as a supertyphoon when it battered most of Luzon. 

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said 4.2 million individuals or 1.2 million were affected by Tino, which hit the Visayas.

The US military began coordinating its mission strategies with Philippine government and military agencies on November 5 for the continuous delivery of necessary supplies to regions devastated by the recent storm.

“I have been thoroughly impressed by the preparedness and forward-leaning measures taken by the Philippine government during this situation, and we will support the lead of our Philippine counterparts as we carry out this relief mission together as a fully-aligned team,” said US Marine Corps Brigadier General Robert Brodie, the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade commanding general. 

“Support to our friends, allies, and partners, and their people in a time of need, is non-negotiable. Together, we are overcoming distance, weather, and logistical challenges to save lives.” — JMA, GMA Integrated News