The Armed Forces of the Philippines, through Joint Task Force Agila and the Philippine Air Force, has delivered nearly 5,000 food packs and other relief supplies to communities isolated by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Davao Occidental and Sarangani Province.
From June 11 to 15, Philippine Air Force Black Hawk helicopters conducted multiple airlift missions to areas cut off by landslides and infrastructure damage, making ground transportation impossible in several communities.
The relief operations reached Barangays Molmol, Quiapo, San Isidro, and Sitio Makina in Barangay Kalbay, all in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, as well as Barangay E. Alegado in Glan, Sarangani.
Supplies were transported from the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Lais, Malita, Davao Occidental, and Rajah Buayan Air Base before being flown to affected villages.
According to Joint Task Force Agila, the five-day operation delivered approximately 4,925 food packs, 800 five-kilogram rice packs, 3,400 bottles of water, 400 boxes of relief goods, 100 containers of 20-liter potable water, and 40 cases of six-liter bottled water.
Authorities said air transport became necessary after earthquake-triggered landslides and road damage left several communities inaccessible. Helicopters remained the only practical option for delivering aid while road clearing and recovery efforts continued.
Disaster Response Teams from the Army’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade and other military units assisted in loading, unloading, and distributing relief supplies in coordination with local government units and partner agencies.
Officials said humanitarian operations will continue in affected areas as authorities work to restore access and provide assistance to residents impacted by the earthquake.
