OCD: 4 countries sending air assets for relief operations

Four countries will send their air assets to the Philippines to assist in relief operations in areas devastated by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said yesterday.

- EMMANUEL TUPAS

OCD administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia have signified their intention to send their air assets to the country.

Among these are C-130 aircraft and helicopters which can help in transporting relief goods to communities affected by the cyclone.

"Any additional help is a sign of solidarity with our partners," Nepomuceno said at a news forum in the Dapo Restaurant and Bar in Quezon City.

He said other countries have signified their intention to send assistance to relief efforts.

A day after Kristine left the country's area of responsibility, relief aid started pouring in to Bicol and other regions that were flooded, brought about by incessant rains from the storm.

Nepomuceno particularly cited Bicol, where floodwaters have started receding, allowing mobility assets to deliver relief supplies to affected residents.

He said relief goods from the Visayas and Mindanao were brought to the Matnog Port in Sorsogon by Navy vessels.