According to a statement from the Indonesian Air Force on Wednesday, the deployment is part of a humanitarian mission to assist a friendly nation.
The helicopter will aid in searching for victims, transporting them to medical personnel, and delivering medical supplies.
It will also coordinate with the Mi-17 helicopter from the Indonesian Army, which was previously sent to the disaster area by Indonesian Air Force headquarters.
The Indonesian Air Force has also dispatched two personnel—the Commander of Air Wing 4, Atang Sendjaja Air Force Base, and Colonel Asep Wahyu Wijaya—to lead a team of 24 combined troops from three TNI branches. These personnel will be stationed in the Philippines for 14 days.
Indonesia has prepared its best troops and equipment for the mission, stated First Marshal David Yohan Tamboto, assistant chief of staff for operations at the National Air Force Command.
He urged his personnel to prioritize safety during the mission.
“Remember to always maintain team solidarity, professionalism, and safety while on duty, and to respect local laws and culture during your mission in the Philippines,” he advised.
Tropical Storm Trami, known locally as Kristine, struck northeastern Philippines last week, flooding entire towns and triggering deadly landslides.
The storm was the deadliest and most destructive to hit the archipelago this year.
Nearly 130 people lost their lives, and at least 30 went missing, according to the country’s disaster relief agency, as authorities raced to deliver aid to remote communities, especially those hardest hit in the Bicol region.
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Translator: Walda Marison, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Anton Santoso
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