Philippine and United States forces conducted a response-and-recovery mission in Batanes in the northern Philippines after devastating cyclones and other intense tropical weather. The operation from July 31 to August 3, 2025, demonstrated the longtime allies’ mutual commitment to render humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
The combined forces delivered food and emergency medical supplies to residents of the island province, using the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) transport capabilities and the forward-deployed U.S. Joint Force for mission Kabit Bisig, a Tagalog phrase meaning “linking arms.”
“This is a testament to the mutual commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines [AFP] and the U.S. Armed Forces as responsive partners in humanitarian aid,” said Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the AFP’s chief of staff.
Batanes, the Philippines’ northernmost province, was battered by storms in 2024 and 2025 that caused flooding, landslides and power outages, killing dozens of people and affecting millions of others. The isolated island is between Luzon, the Philippines’ largest and most populated island, and self-governed Taiwan.
The U.S. deployed V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, including from units in Australia and Japan, to operate alongside a PAF C-130 cargo aircraft and S-70i Black Hawk helicopters.
Pilots navigated strong winds and clouds to deliver essential supplies. “Above the technical acumen of our pilots, mutual trust served as one of the foundations that enabled this operation to push through,” Brawner said.
A strong working relationship and seamless planning between Philippine and U.S. personnel expedited the operation, integrating bilateral assets where and when needed.
The mission drew from a mid-July simulated exercise that showcased how Philippine and U.S. forces could integrate logistics, air mobility and civil-military operations with the Philippines’ Office of Civil Defense, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and the U.S. Department of War.
Kapit Bisig demonstrated alliance interoperability under pressure and exemplified how preparation and persistent presence saves lives. It also reaffirmed a durable partnership built on shared responsibility and readiness to protect security across the Indo-Pacific.
