Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit traveled to Baguio City, Philippines, to deliver food and clothing to landslide victims Oct. 4.
Authorities are reporting more than 185 people have been killed by flooding and landslides from tropical depression Parma.
With roads affected by the landslide, Marines arrived via helicopter to provide relief. It took five CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters, two trips each, to deliver nearly 4,500 family food packets and 2,000 clothing packages totaling 18,500 pounds.
“I think every Marine there was proud and satisfied with the work they were doing,” said Col. Paul L. Damren, commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. “This was a great opportunity to help relieve some of these people’s suffering. We were happy to help.”
Marines worked side by side with the Philippine Air Force and the Baguio City Police Department to unload items off of the Sea Knights and onto trucks waiting nearby.
Once the trucks were loaded, they were then driven to a nearby warehouse, where they will be divided and shipped to nearby neighboring cities.
Sgt. Cassandra Heil, a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, said she was impressed by the efficiency of the local police force.
This was Heil’s second time visiting Baguio City, the first time was to visit family members living in the region. Heil noted that not much seems to change in Baguio, including the small one-level homes that many locals reside in.
As Marines were delivering goods, locals were just beginning to return to their homes after previously being evacuated.
“I believe this is the most beautiful region in the Philippines,” said Heil. “I am glad we were able to come here and help. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.”