The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) team from ‘Badai Taduh’ operation arrived at Col Jesus Villamor Air Base in Manila, Philippines on Sunday.
The team left the Sultanate for the operation following Tropical Typhoon Kristine (TRAMI), which hit the country, causing severe flooding and landslides affecting tens of thousands of residents.
The team, on arrival, was welcomed by Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Philippines Megawati binti Dato Paduka Haji Manan and Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force Lieutenant General Stephen P Parreño, symbolising the strong ties and mutual commitment to regional cooperation and support.
Defence Attaché of Brunei Darussalam to the Philippines Lieutenant Colonel Suzana binti Haji Antin was also present.
The Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) Transport Aircraft C295MW conducted Air Logistic Support through a cargo flight sortie, transporting critical supplies and aid from Col Jesus Villamor Air Base to Bicol International Airport in Luzon yesterday.
Meanwhile, two RBAirF Blackhawk S70i helicopters, initially scheduled to depart to Bicol International Airport today, was delayed due to Tropical Storm Leon.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Multinational Coordinating Centre (MNCC) issued a weather advisory warning and all types of flights had to be cancelled.
These helicopters will play a crucial role in extending the delivery of aid to remote regions with limited accessibility.
The effort symbolises a close bond and a shared commitment to regional cooperation and support as well as underscores the Ministry of Defence’s (MinDef) commitment to providing aid to those affected by natural disasters. Meanwhile, the team’s deployment was held at the Air Movement Centre, Rimba Air Force Base earlier on Sunday.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof was present.
The Sultanate, specifically the RBAF, will provide air transport assistance for HADR in the Philippines using a RBAirF C295MW aircraft and two Blackhawk S70i helicopters to transport supplies, food and water provided by the Philippines government, to areas with limited access.
RBAF Commander Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, members of Defence Executive Committee, members of RBAF Executive Committee, Third Secretary from the Embassy of the Philippines to Brunei Darussalam Jacqueline L Ong, directors at the MinDef, Acting Director of East Asia of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces Attache of the Philippines, senior officers, officers at the MinDef and the personnel involved throughout the HADR mission were also present.
The first team, comprising 17 personnel, led by Lieutenant Colonel (U) Mohammad Azmi bin Haji Afflon, departed onboard the RBAirF C295MW aircraft.
Meanwhile, the second team, comprising 20 personnel will board the Blackhawk S70i helicopter.
A Doa Selamat ceremony was held at Surau Al-Barakah, Rimba Airbase, together with a mass Zohor prayer, followed by Sunnat Hajat mass prayer.
The operation reflects the commitment of the MinDef to strengthen regional relations as well as contribute to community welfare through immediate aid and recovery efforts.
The mission aims to alleviate the suffering of disaster victims by prioritising their safety and basic needs, emphasising Brunei’s commitment to regional stability and cooperation, as outlined in the 2021 Defence White Paper.
Brunei also expressed its condolences and sympathy to the Government and the people of the Philippines, especially to the victims and families affected by the typhoon.
