The Tactical Operations Group XI of the Philippine Air Force
has recommended the permanent assignment of a chopper in Davao Region that can
be used in rescue operations and has firefighting capability.
Lt. Colonel Jose Ritchie Pabilona, commander of the TOG XI said a chopper with rescue and firefighting capability is crucial in saving lives and property especially now that fire occurs in both the urban communities and rural areas like the Mt. Apo National Park.
“We need a helicopter here that can be used in both rescue missions and firefighting,” he said.
Speaking in the AFP-PNP Press Corps briefing conducted at the Davao City Police Office, Pabilona reported that based on the 77 sorties conducted in 83 flying hours since March 28 up to April 11, a total of 72 Bambi bucket operations had been conducted by the 505th Rescue Group using their helicopter to stop the fire.
He said the support two choppers dubbed as Super Delta Helicopters also conducted a total of 217 crushed ice operations.
Pabilona noted that the cloud seeding operation conducted by the Department of Agriculture with the support of the 900th Air Group of the Philippine Air Force also helped in putting out the fire.
“Now that the fire is totally out, we are awaiting the final declaration by the Bureau of Fire Protection,” he said.
Pabilona said the Super Huey chopper has been sent to Bukidnon Province to help put out the fire, this time in Mt. Kitanglad.
Captain Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division said a total of 117 troops had been pulled out already from Mt. Apo Sunday, April 10 when the fire was finally controlled.
Major Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command said that the military is currently assessing the situation in Mt. Apo and on standby to respond to where their assistance is needed.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381460531992/paf-recommends-permanent-deployment-of-firefighting-chopper-in-the-region
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