SOLDIERS on duty during the holiday season in typhoon-stricken towns in the Visayas and Mindanao were treated to a special “Christmas drop,” using the newly acquired Blackhawk Helis helicopter.
A statement from the Philippine Army said the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Blackhawks delivered goods for soldiers who spent Christmas away from their families to help in relief and rehabilitation missions in typhoon-affected villages in Leyte Island.
“We were surprised,” said Capt. Ryan Layug, JTF Storm spokesman, who was in Maasin City to implement the Armed Forces of Philippines’ “no holiday” public service mantra.
“It was like an ordinary day except that we started this day singing ‘Kasadya (Ang Pasko ay Sumapit)’ to motivate our fellow soldiers. I was doing FB (Facebook) live to allow our soldiers a chance to greet their family and loved ones when I received a notice to proceed to Maasin Airport and deliver lechon (roasted pig) to our soldiers in Maasin, Limasawa, San Ricardo Port, Barangay Esperanza of San Ricardo and Liloan, all of Southern Leyte. The Christmas treats were delivered using the Air Force’s Blackhawk helicopters, which have been airlifting food packs to isolated villages in San Ricardo,” Layug added.
