Barangay Poblacion 3 residents in Laurel, Batangas cross a river to gather aid on October 26, 2024 after a bridge collapsed due to torrential rain brought by severe tropical storm Kristine. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

MANILA – Foreign governments and humanitarian organizations are scaling up assistance in the Philippines to aid hundreds of thousands affected by Typhoon Kristine, which struck several regions over the past week.

On Saturday, a C-130 cargo aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force and a Eurocopter EC725 transport helicopter from the Royal Malaysian Air Force arrived at Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. The aircraft will provide airlift support to help bolster the Philippine Air Force’s operations in delivering humanitarian aid supplies to typhoon-hit communities.

“During this challenging time, Singapore stands with our friends in the Philippines. This response underscores our warm defense ties and close Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) cooperation, as well as the enduring friendship between Singapore and the Philippines,” the Singapore Embassy in Manila said in a statement. 

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Meanwhile, Australia’s emergency food truck, called “Bluey,” was sent to Camarines Sur to provide hot meals to displaced people. 

“This response is part of Australia’s long-standing partnership with the Philippine Red Cross to deliver immediate humanitarian assistance,” said Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu. 

“My thoughts are with the communities affected by Typhoon Kristine across Luzon and Visayas. We are in contact with Philippine government partners who are responding to the situation. Australia stands ready to assist,” she added. 

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian also expressed Beijing’s readiness to help. 

“Sending our heartfelt sympathies to the Filipino people during this difficult time as Typhoon Kristine wreaks havoc. Our thoughts are with all those affected. We stand ready to lend a helping hand. Stay safe and dry, everyone,” he said. 

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For its part, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) mobilized 50 trucks to send family food packs and relief items to 425,000 affected individuals, particularly in Bicol. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also earlier ordered the full use of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites for the airlift operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

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