PAF RESCUES TRAPPED LOCALS FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTH COTABATO

Submitted by AFPAO on Tue, 11/12/2019 - 12:41

Following the series of earthquakes that rocked Central and Eastern Mindanao, the Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao (TOWEASTMIN) of the Philippine Air Force performed an audacious rescue to the trapped civilians in a village that sits atop the peak of Mt. Apo on November 2, 2019. 

An Aerial Reconnaissance was also being conducted by the PAF utilizing the B-412 helicopter to assess the area of road blockages due to landslide. Consequently, with the help of the Local Government, National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council North Cotabato and with the PAF, stranded residents of Sitio Kapatagan, Barangay Luayon in Makilala, North Cotabato was evacuated. 

A total of 16 residents was evacuated from the area to the Provincial Capitol in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato. Subsequently, a stress debriefing was also being conducted to assist the trapped residents physical and psychological symptoms associated with trauma exposure. 

Meanwhile, prior to the mission, a 14-Man team of brave soldiers from the 39th Infantry Battalion walked for hours in the mountains of Barangay Luayon to secure the area and identify safe landing zone for the helicopters of the PAF. Likewise, the men from the Bureau of Fire Protection Region 7 and 8 also assisted in the clearing of the landing zone. 

More so, the 206th Tactical Helicopter Squadron (Hornet 699) and 5057th Para Rescue and Recovery Squadron of the PAF flew over the evacuation area in Sitio Kapatagan with the Incident Command Post Commander of the region, the Acting Governor of North Cotabato, Ms Shirlyn Macasarate-Villanueva on November 3, 2019.

The rescue mission performed by our brave pilots and soldiers depicts the true meaning of heroism. As Bob Riley said, “Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the “hero” within us is revealed”. We in the Philippine Air Force are always here to serve and protect our people, our country and during times of disasters and calamities, no matter how hard the mission will be, we will never back down for God Almighty and our country.

 

Courtesy of TOWEASTMIN, PIO