Singapore Air Force provides aircraft to support PH Kristine aid ops

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is sending a C-130 transport aircraft to the Philippines to help deliver humanitarian aid supplies to communities affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, Singapore's embassy in Manila said Saturday.

Kristine, also known by its international name Trami, left at least 81 people dead due to heavy flooding and landslides, prompting pleas from local authorities and trapped residents for more rescue boats, food and water.

The embassy said the deployment of the aircraft was made at the request of the Philippine government to fast-track the delivery of supplies affected by the disaster, particularly in the Bicol region

Singapore's C-130 aircraft is scheduled to arrive 12:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.

"The SAF's contributions underscore the warm and friendly bilateral and defence ties and close Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) cooperation between Singapore and the Philippines," the embassy said.

In a message to GMA News Online, Singapore Ambassador Constance See said, "Friends support friends. We are committed to supporting the Philippines in its recovery efforts, and we hope that those affected receive timely aid as they work toward rebuilding their lives."

Other countries, such as the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and China have also expressed readiness to provide aid to the Philippines.

US humanitarian agency USAID provided family food packs to Bicol and mobilized 50 trucks for 425,000 people affected by the storm.

Australian Ambassador HK Yu said the embassy is in close coordination with Philippine government partners who are responding to the situation as Australia "stands ready to assist."

Chinese ambassador Huang Xillian, in a statement on X, sent "heartfelt sympathies to Filipino people during this difficult time as #KristinePH wreaks havoc."

"Our thoughts are with all those affected. We stand ready to lend a helping hand," Huang said.

More than 2.6 million people were affected by the storm, with over 300,000 seeking shelter in evacuation centers or relatives' homes, Philippine officials said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News