AFP, US conduct airlift exercise for humanitarian missions

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States military conducted a joint exercise on rapid humanitarian airlift operations at Clark Air Base for communities affected by flooding.

In a statement on Sunday, August 3, the AFP said the exercise held on Saturday, August 2, involved transporting family food packs and other relief goods from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) using an MV-22 Osprey aircraft.

“This showcased the critical importance of interoperability and rapid response capabilities in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations,” the AFP said in a statement. 

“The joint exercise underscored the deepening defense cooperation between the Philippines and the U.S. in humanitarian missions. It also highlighted the shared values underpinning their bilateral partnership, particularly a strong commitment to protecting human life. Attendees were given a guided tour of the Osprey aircraft, emphasizing its utility in quickly and precisely reaching communities in need,” it added. 

Present at the exercise were AFP Chief Romeo Brawner Jr., Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.

The U.S. military deployed its Ospreys and MC-130J aircraft to deliver relief goods to communities across Northern Luzon affected by flooding caused by three tropical storms and the southwest monsoon on July 31.