KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has deployed a EC725 AP helicopter to the Philippines to provide humanitarian assistance following flooding and landslides caused by Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami).
The RMAF said it sent had sent the helicopter from No 5 Squadron at the Labuan Air Base.
"The helicopter departed at 7am today for Villamor Air Base in Manila.
"The flight is expected to take five hours and 30 minutes, with the RMAF team making a stop at Antonio Bautista Air Base for refuelling."
The RMAF said the mission was led by Major Thaddeus Raphael ak Azis @ Sait, accompanied by 15 officers and personnel, including two pilots, a co-pilot, two engineering officers, two air quartermasters, five aircraft technicians and four members of the RMAF special forces (Paskau).
"Villamor Air Base will serve as the primary station for this mission before the RMAF team is redeployed to disaster zones to distribute aid by the Philippine government, including Pili Airport in Naga City and Daragay Albay International Airport.
"This deployment of RMAF assets demonstrates the Malaysian government's goal to provide humanitarian aid and support the Philippine government with air logistic assistance, facilitating the mobilisation of relief supplies."
The centre of Tropical Storm Trami hit Luzon on Thursday with winds of nearly 100kph per hour, and some officials reported two months' worth of rain falling in a day.
The storm was moving over the South China Sea on Friday, heading for Vietnam.