ASEAN countries deploy air assets to assist in Kristine aid

Association of Southeast Asian Nations member-countries have partnered with the Philippine Air Force to deliver disaster relief to communities affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

According to a statement, Singapore delivered shelter materials and good packs from Pasay to Bicol using a C-130 aircraft on Monday, while the the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) have volunteered their Eurocopter EC-725 and C-295 aircraft for supply delivery.

“These collaborative relief efforts underscore ASEAN's commitment to regional support and effective crisis response… This assistance highlights the strength of partnerships within ASEAN, emphasizing the value of unified efforts in addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters,” the statement read.

“[Their] combined efforts reflect the spirit of humanitarian aid and shared commitment to regional stability and resilience,” it added.

The assistance from Singapore and Malaysia had arrived on Saturday, while assistance from Brunei arrived on Sunday.

Earlier, the United States government had also donated a total of $1.5 million or P84 million to provide essential services such as clean water, sanitation, emergency shelter, cash assistance for victims, and logistical management of evacuation centers in affected communities.

“My heart goes out to all those suffering the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Kristine,” Carlson said on Tuesday.

“We are working side by side with the Philippine government to bring relief to communities in need,” she added. — BAP, GMA Integrated News