U.S. forces assist AFP in Luzon aid deliveries

American military aircraft have been deployed to the Philippines to support relief efforts in areas hit by recent storms and severe flooding in Northern Luzon.

Following a request from the Philippine government, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command dispatched Marine Corps and Air Force Ospreys, along with Air Force MC-130J aircraft, to assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in airlifting emergency supplies.

In coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Ospreys transported 600 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) family food packs and relief items from Clark Air Base to Basco, Batanes on 30 and 31 July.

According to the U.S. Embassy, operations to deliver an additional 5,700 family food packs to other storm-hit areas are ongoing, with American aircraft and personnel remaining on standby to support further missions.

“The United States stands shoulder to shoulder with our Filipino allies, especially in responding to disasters,” U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said. “We are grateful to the combined relief and rescue teams who have been working tirelessly on the ground to deliver emergency assistance to affected residents.”

As of July 29, the U.S. Department of State — through a P13.8 million ($250,000) contribution — enabled the World Food Programme to help deliver over 47,700 DSWD food packs to flood-stricken areas in Ilocos Norte, La Union, and Pangasinan, benefiting more than 200,000 people.

The Philippine government continues to work with international and local partners to distribute food and essential supplies to communities impacted by consecutive storms and the southwest monsoon.