PHILIPPINE Air Force reservists administrator 8th Air Reserve Center early this week launched humanitarian assistance and disaster-response efforts in communities battered by Typhoon “Odette” in two regions 10 and Caraga.
Philippine Air Force reservist Captain George Goking said PAF Reservists in Region 10 and CARAGA Region have mobilized its Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Response compose of its organic personnel and reservists under the 71st Air Force Group Reserve.
“Various reservist units from the Air Force Group Reserve held rescue and relief efforts in communities hit hard by “Odette,” the strongest tropical cyclone to hit the country this year,” said Goking.
Goking who is also the Cagayan de Oro City Councilor said the troops and reservists also launched pre-emptive evacuations, search and rescue efforts and relief missions in far-flung areas of the Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions.
In an 8th ARCen statement on the response to Typhoon Odette, Goking said they have alerted and called upon their reservists to render search and rescue assistance after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.
He said several rescue operations were conducted in the different areas of Cagayan de Oro City, Butuan City and Surigao.
“Transportation assistance were also provided for trapped flood victims,” according to Goking.
In collaboration with the different stakeholders manage to consolidate relief goods and cash assistance for the relief operations that are presently conducted in Surigao, he said.
Goking stressed that through their generous partner stakeholders, the 8th ARCen and the 71st Air Force Group Reserve has been an instrument to call on those who are capable and have generous heart to lend a helping hand especially to our countrymen who were badly hit by the typhoon.
The 8th ARCen also recognizes efforts of all its reservists in their respective relief operations drive to generate support either cash, in kind or services to deliver the much needed relief assistance.
In this trying time, the 8th Air Reserve Center and the PAF Reservists in Northern Mindanao, enjoin those who can help to extend assistance in the way they can to those who are hardly hit by Typhoon Odette, Goking said as part of the 8th Arcen statement.
“Help is along the way and the AFP along with other government agencies are doing its best 24/7 to reach those in need,” it said.
Goking added that with other government agencies and the PAF reservists are currently conducting relief and rescue efforts for families in typhoon-battered communities. (Ben Balce)
