PAF readies aircrafts for potential repatriation from Middle East

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has placed its C-295 and C-130 aircraft on standby to support the possible repatriation of Filipinos amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

In a press conference at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, PAF Chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura said the move was in anticipation of any directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to assist the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

“The Philippine Air Force had been involved in repatriation activities. We commit normally the C-130s, and right now we have the C-295 platform. The C-130 will be, we will eventually make it available in case,” Cordura said.

He noted that repatriation efforts are currently being coordinated at the departmental level, with participation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“We will subscribe to whatever decisions they will have. But your Philippine Air Force will always be ready to be involved in the repatriation activities,” he added.

Cordura also said the PAF is prepared to deploy personnel to ensure the safe evacuation of overseas Filipinos, including specialists in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense, as well as technical and medical staff.

"We have specialized personnel in terms of CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear). We can also deputize our technical, medical personnel in the repatriation activities,” he said.

Meanwhile, the AFP assured the public that it is closely coordinating with other government agencies regarding the military’s role in potential repatriation efforts.

"We are ready to react swiftly, securely, and in sync with other government agencies on this," AFP spokesperson Col. Margareth Padilla said.

Padilla emphasized that the AFP has contingency plans in place to assist the government in its efforts to protect and repatriate Filipinos affected by the conflict in the Middle East.