PAF honors Indon aerial contingent for ‘Kristine’ relief efforts

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) honored the Indonesian aerial contingent for its invaluable humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts in response to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami), which severely impacted large parts of the Philippines last month.

In a statement released Thursday, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo highlighted that the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) deployed two helicopters and a 24-member team to assist in relief operations. 

Their contributions were recognized during an awarding ceremony held at the PAF Multi-Purpose Gymnasium at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on November 6.

During the ceremony, PAF commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño expressed deep gratitude to the Indonesian Armed Forces, emphasizing the significance of the bilateral partnership. 

He emphasized that the Indonesian military’s swift and effective response to the crisis demonstrated the enduring friendship and cooperation between the Republics of Indonesia and the Philippines.

The Indonesian contingent, led by Col. Asep Wahyu Wijaya of the Indonesian Air Force, was presented with the Chief of Staff Commendation Medal and Ribbon and the Military Civic Action Medal. The unit, equipped with an Mi-17V5 and an H-225M helicopter, arrived in the Philippines on October 31 to assist in the HADR operations.

“They personally received the awards and recognition from the CG (Commanding General) PAF and other PAF key officers,” Castillo noted. “These military personnel augmented the PAF’s HADR missions, providing critical aerial relief services to some of the hardest-hit areas in the Bicol Region.”