US sends planes for relief work

TYPHOON AID Two US Hercules cargo planes from the US Marines arrive from Japan. —Photo from the Philippine Air Force

MANILA, Philippines — The US military said it deployed two military aircraft to support relief efforts in the Philippines following Supertyphoon Julian (international name: Krathon).

Two Marine Corps KC-130J transport aircraft departed Okinawa, Japan, and arrived in Manila on Saturday to transport “foreign disaster relief (FDR) supplies,” the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) said in a statement. These supplies include tarps, shelter kits, food packets and other nonfood items.

“They will join personnel from I MEF’s 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, who are already located in-country for training, to facilitate the efficient distribution of materials,” the MEF said.

READ: Julian initial agri damage estimated at P36.34M; Batanes bishop asks for help

US Marines and sailors from I MEF arrived last week as part of upcoming exercises Sama Sama 2024 and Kamandag 8 with Philippine counterparts from Oct. 7 to Oct. 24.

“Recurrent crisis response training enhances operational readiness and develops joint interoperability during times of crises,” the MEF said. “The US military has partnered and trained with our Philippine allies regularly on FDR operations … which prepare our forces for the challenges associated with extreme circumstances,” it said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Joint US Military Assistance Group paid a courtesy visit to Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco also on Saturday “to ensure effective relief operations” in response to Julian.

The Office of Civil Defense, said in a separate statement, “Initially, the KC-130Js were scheduled to fly directly to Batanes; however, following a thorough assessment by US counterparts in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, it was determined that the runway at Batanes airport might be compromised due to the heavy weight of the aircraft.”

“We are deeply thankful to the US government for their swift response and unwavering support during this critical time. Their assistance is vital as we work to rebuild and provide for our communities affected by the supertyphoon,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. was quoted as saying.