PAF Sokol helicopter aids Batanes relief ops post-super typhoon

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has redeployed its W-3A "Sokol" helicopter for ongoing relief operations in Batanes, following Super Typhoon "Julian."

On Friday, October 11, the Sokol helicopter transported 60 kilos of vital medicines and 10 personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to support recovery efforts.

These operations are a collaborative effort involving the Office of Civil Defense and the DSWD, which also previously used the helicopter to distribute cash assistance.

The helicopter involved is under the operational control of Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 2 of Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon (TOWNOL).

Additionally, 79 PAF reservists from the 2nd Air Force Wing Reserve assisted in various humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions across Luzon, including hauling relief goods and conducting search and rescue operations in Batanes.

The PAF spokesperson emphasized the vital role of air mobility in disaster response and the Air Force's commitment to providing timely and effective humanitarian assistance.