PINASALAMATAN ng pamunuan ng Department of National Defense (DND) at Office of Civil Defense (OCD) ang pamahalaan ng Singapore at Malaysia sa kanilang mabilis na pagtugon sa pagpapadala ng kanilang mga air assets, para umayuda sa isinasagawang humanitarian efforts kaugnay sa pinsalang inabot ng bansa sa bunsod ng pananalasa ng Typhoon Kristine.
Ang kontribusyon umano ng dalawang bansa ay lubhang mahalaga sa pagkakaloob ng agarang tulong sa mga naapektuhang rehiyon at sa recovery ng victims.
Ayon kay Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. , “The arrival of air assets from both Singapore and Malaysia is a significant boost to our relief operations. This assistance is crucial for the fast delivery of relief goods to those in need, particularly for communities still submerged in water. Time is of the essence, and we are immensely grateful for the support from our ASEAN neighbors during this critical period.”
Pahayag naman ni Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno: “We are deeply appreciative of our neighboring countries in Southeast Asia who have signified their intent to assist us. This solidarity exemplifies our shared commitment to helping one another in times of crisis. Any support from our regional partners is invaluable as we work together to recover from this calamity.”
Ayon sa OCD, mabilis ang naging tulong ng mga foreign governments at humanitarian organizations sa Pilipinas para sa daang libong apektado ni Kristine, na tumama sa ilang rehiyon nitong nakaraang linggo.
Nitong Sabado, dumating ang C-130 cargo aircraft mula sa Republic of Singapore Air Force at isang Eurocopter EC725 transport helicopter mula sa Royal Malaysian Air Force sa Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base sa Pasay City.
Magbibigay ng airlift support ang aircraft upang paigtingin ang operasyon ng Philippine Air Force sa paghahatid ng humanitarian aid supplies lalo na sa mga itinuturing na typhoon hardest-hit communities.
“During this challenging time, Singapore stands with our friends in the Philippines. This response underscores our warm defense ties and close Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) cooperation, as well as the enduring friendship between Singapore and the Philippines,” pahayag ng Singapore Embassy sa Manila.
Samantala, idineploy ang emergency food truck ng Australia na tinatawag na “Bluey,” sa Camarines Sur upang magbigay ng hot meals sa mga residente.
“This response is part of Australia’s long-standing partnership with the Philippine Red Cross to deliver immediate humanitarian assistance,” ani Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu.
“My thoughts are with the communities affected by Typhoon Kristine across Luzon and Visayas. We are in contact with Philippine government partners who are responding to the situation. Australia stands ready to assist,” dagdag niya.
“Sending our heartfelt sympathies to the Filipino people during this difficult time as Typhoon Kristine wreaks havoc. Our thoughts are with all those affected. We stand ready to lend a helping hand. Stay safe and dry, everyone,” sabi naman ni Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian.
Maging ang United States Agency for International Development (USAID) ay nag-mobilisa ng 50 trucks upang magpadala ng family food packs at relief items sa 425,000 apektadong indibidwal, partikular sa Bicol.
Ipinag-utos din ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. ang paggamit ng Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites para sa airlift operations ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
