Phl requests US disaster management package

Philippine President Benigno Simeon Aquino III meets with United States of America President Barack Obama (2011 Photo; Jay Morales / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

MANILA — With Typhoon “Ruby” now starting to batter parts of Southern Luzon after pummeling parts of the Visayas over the weekend, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) announced that the Philippines has requested the support capabilities/assets on disaster management package from the United States.

In its Monday update, the agency reported that the request was coursed through Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

This includes surface and airborne maritime search and rescue, air platforms, (helis and fixed wings), intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support.

Earlier, the US Embassy in Manila has offered nine Lockheed C-130 “Hercules” cargo aircraft and three Lockheed P-3C “Orion” maritime surveillance planes for air assessment and monitoring.

Medical, relief workers and other support will also be provided if needed.