CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in coordination with US military forces, delivered much-needed relief supplies to the communities of Batanes affected by Typhoon Julian on Tuesday, October 8.
Two US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft transported Foreign Disaster Relief (FDR) supplies, provided by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), from Laoag Airport to Batanes in the morning. Additionally, a US Air Force Dornier 328 aircraft delivered further relief items from Manila to the island. Earlier, on Sunday, the Philippine Air Force deployed a C-130 aircraft from Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, to deliver vital goods directly to Batanes.
In times of natural calamities, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States improves the capability to respond swiftly by providing strategic access to facilities and resources. This close cooperation enables rapid deployment of personnel and relief aid, ensuring timely response to communities in need, such as those affected by Typhoon Julian in Batanes.
Before the delivery of supplies, the Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG), in collaboration with USAID, coordinated closely with the AFP, the local government of Batanes, and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). This partnership ensured efficient logistics and the prompt arrival of assistance to the hardest-hit areas.
The close cooperation in these relief efforts highlights the enduring strength of the US-Philippines alliance and reinforces the importance of preparedness, coordination, and the robust disaster response framework that both nations have built.///
Photo: PAFR
