The Philippine Air Force (PAF) deployed aircraft on June 8 to support humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit Sarangani and nearby areas in Mindanao.
An S-70i Black Hawk helicopter was sent to conduct a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis mission over affected communities in Sarangani. The aircraft departed from Tactical Operations Group 11 in Davao City with personnel from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) onboard to assist in aerial reconnaissance and initial assessment.
The PAF also mobilized a C-295 aircraft from Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City to Davao City, transporting key personnel from the Department of National Defense, Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Philippine Army.
The deployment is intended to strengthen coordination among government agencies and support ongoing response operations on the ground.
The Air Force said it remains ready to provide its disaster response capabilities in support of unified command operations, in coordination with concerned agencies and local authorities.
Additional air and support assets may be deployed depending on operational needs in affected areas.