27-10-2024 (MANILA) In a display of regional solidarity, Malaysia and Singapore have mobilised military aircraft to support rescue operations in the Philippines, where Severe Tropical Storm Trami has left over 5.7 million people affected and hundreds of areas submerged.
The humanitarian assistance arrived at Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday, with Singapore contributing a C-130 cargo aircraft and Malaysia deploying an EC725 helicopter. The arrival ceremony was attended by Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., alongside the Singaporean and Malaysian ambassadors.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reports that 288 areas across the archipelago remain inundated, with Central Luzon bearing the brunt of the flooding, accounting for 132 affected areas. The Bicol region has been particularly hard hit, with 137 of the nation’s 218 impassable roads located in this area.
Maritime operations face significant disruption, with 60 seaports currently non-operational, the majority situated in the MIMAROPA region. Despite the lifting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals, the situation remains critical for coastal communities.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged comprehensive government support, particularly focusing on the Bicol region, where unprecedented flooding has prompted emergency response measures including the deployment of rubber boats for rescue operations.
The Philippines’ Defence Secretary revealed that the government had initiated diplomatic channels with neighbouring ASEAN countries for additional support. “We’ve established contact with Brunei and Indonesia, alongside our existing coordination with Singapore and Malaysia,” Teodoro stated at a recent briefing.
In a parallel development, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has announced collaboration with US military forces, utilising facilities designated under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement as operational bases for relief efforts.
