AFP readies five planes, 19 choppers for Typhoon Pepito relief

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has prepared five military aircraft and at least 19 helicopters for potential relief and rescue missions in response to Super Typhoon Pepito.

During a National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meeting on Friday, AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner briefed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on available assets including three C-130s, one C-295, and seven Black Hawk helicopters based in Luzon.

Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo reported that the Tactical Operations Group 8 (TOG-8) deployed two teams to Oras, Eastern Samar and Catarman, Northern Samar, while TOG-4 conducted preemptive evacuations in Lucena City.

The PAF's resources include transport aircraft like the C-130, C-295, F-27, NC-212i; utility helicopters such as Huey II, Super Huey, B-205A, UH-1H and S-70i 'Black Hawk'; and search and rescue helicopters like the S-76A and W-3A 'Sokol'.

These resources are part of the Philippines' readiness to address any immediate needs arising from the typhoon's impact.