No problem in providing VP with transport assets: AFP

FILE: AFP spokesperson, Marine Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo. (PNA Photo)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has no problems in providing Vice President Leni Robredo with any of its naval, air, or land assets provided there is initial coordination with the military.

“We have no problem with that, we can help her, of course, we only need initial coordinations to determine on where is her destination and what kind of security package will be provided for her,” said AFP spokesperson, Marine Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo, in Filipino during an online briefing with reporters Wednesday.

Also, he said the Vice President, specifically the Office of the Vice President Security Detachment, has a pending request for the augmentation of security personnel, who will escort Robredo in her trips to areas severely affected by Typhoon Ulysses.

“What is important here is once there is coordination and we have forces, units, or AFP assets available, we can always help, given the appropriate coordinations and directives from the Armed Forces,” Arevalo said.

The AFP spokesperson said coordination is needed at this time considering that all military transport assets are deployed in the ongoing rehabilitation and relief missions to areas severely impacted by “Ulysses”.

In a separate statement to reporters, Arevalo highlighted the policy in the use of Air Force aircraft.

“That is a military aircraft. Hence, its use is for military purposes only and according to priorities. But there can be specific flights that we do outside of purely military purpose if it is related to or in pursuit of AFP mission,” he added.

Such purposes include the airlift of civilian disaster responders and volunteers; relief goods belonging to civilians but are intended for victims of calamities and disasters.

Arevalo said flight missions for the use of government officials in pursuit of their office and functions may also be allowed.

“In all cases, however, that use must be with proper request, coordination, and approval, and subject to availability of the aircraft, priority, weather, and other safety considerations,” he added.

The AFP earlier said that it has mobilized close to 2,000 disaster front-liners and equipment to help in the massive relief and rehabilitation operations for communities affected by “Ulysses”.

Many of these personnel are without rest and were redeployed to Cagayan and nearby provinces from their previous deployments in the National Capital Region (NCR), Rizal, Laguna, Mindoro, and Batangas.

A total of 138 search, rescue, and retrieval (SRR) teams are currently deployed while 122 SRR teams on standby. Also, the AFP has deployed 451 land assets and 64 rubber boats, 12 air assets, and two vessels.