Brunei sends aircraft to Philippines for Kristine relief response

Arrival of the Royal Brunei Air Force’s C-295 aircraft at CJVAB, Pasay City (Photo courtesy of PAF)

MANILA, Philippines — A C-295 aircraft from the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAF) arrived in the country over the weekend to help Philippine authorities in its disaster response efforts to areas affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) welcomed the aircraft’s arrival at Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on October 27.

“The Brunei C-295 aircraft will play a crucial role in enhancing the PAF’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations as it joins relief efforts in areas affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine,” PAF said in a statement on Monday.

READ: NDRRMC: 116 dead due to Kristine, over 6 million affected

“The additional aircraft bolsters the PAF’s capability to reach and support affected communities, providing essential supplies and assistance,” it added, as it thanked the RBAF for its support.

Kristine exited the country’s area of responsibility over the weekend.

However, the number of individuals affected by the storm continues to rise, now exceeding six million, while the death toll has reached 116, according to the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

READ: Singapore, Malaysia air assets arrive to aid Kristine relief efforts

So far, the government has provided P658 million worth of assistance for the affected families.