The Philippine Air Force provided airlift missions from CJVAB, Pasay City to Cagayan Valley after several provinces were flooded due to the onslaught of Typhoon “Ulysses”.
Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) teams from the 505th Search and Rescue Group onboard two (2) Bell-412 CUH helicopters from the 207th Tactical Helicopter Squadron flew to Tuguegarao City early morning of November 14, 2020 to conduct Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) missions over Cagayan Valley. The said rescue teams and assets established their staging area in the Provincial Capitol of Cagayan and prioritized rescue efforts in the most affected areas of the province. One (1) PAF SF-260 aircraft also conducted RDANA over the affected areas.
Similarly, two (2) Huey II helicopters conducted aerial surveys and subsequently performed HADR missions over Amulung, Cagayan while two (2) more UH-1H helicopters focused on rescue efforts in Iguig, Cagayan.
Three (3) C-295 aircraft were also used in transporting more 505th Search and Rescue Group personnel with their equipment as well as rescue personnel from the Philippine Navy for the sustained conduct of WASAR operations. Among the equipment transported were seven (7) boxes of rescue gear, three (3) spineboards, two (2) rubber boats with outboard motor, two (2) rope ladders and one (1) portable flood light generator.
Latest efforts include a C-130 aircraft departing from CJVAB, Pasay City at around 12:10 in the morning of November 15, 2020 transporting additional WASAR teams and equipment to Tuguegarao City to cover more areas still requiring aid.
With the leadership of its Commanding General, LTGEN ALLEN T PAREDES PAF, the PAF will continue to perform its mandated task to protect its people by providing prompt and timely response especially in times of calamities and disasters.
