PAF Plane Carrying Covid-19 Lab Equipment from China Back in PH

A Philippine Air Force (PAF) Lockheed C-130 “Hercules” cargo aircraft loaded with laboratory equipment from the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) that will be used for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) testing has safely landed at the Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga early Wednesday.

In a statement, PAF spokesperson Maj. Aristides Galang said the aircraft departed from China around 12:10 a.m. and arrived in Clark Air Base around 2:45 a.m.

The PAF C-130 aircraft arrived in Shenzhen earlier on Tuesday.

“The Department of Health (DOH) representative received a total of 10,000 lbs (pounds) composed of 66 boxes of BGI laboratory equipment,” he added.

Upon the arrival of the C-130, personnel from Air Logistics Command, together with those from the 710th Special Operations Wing, immediately helped in providing security, safety and disinfecting measures to BGI staff, aircrew, aircraft and laboratory equipment.

“Indeed, these initiatives with the Philippine government through the grant assistance from the Asian Development Bank and with the help of the PAF will continue as we battle against this pandemic,” Galang said.

In an earlier Facebook post, the DOH said the BGI laboratory equipment is worth USD2.5 million and can be set up within seven to 10 days. (PNA)