Manila, Aug. 7 -- Philippine Air Force (PAF) helicopters conducted 39 sorties as part of efforts to help extinguish a massive fire that hit a residential area in Tondo, Manila on Wednesday.

In a statement Wednesday, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said their 505th Search and Rescue Group deployed a Huey II and a PZL W-3A "Sokol" while the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing mobilized an S-70i "Black Hawk" to support firefighting operations in the affected area in Barangay 105.

"The Huey II, known for its versatility and aerial agility, conducted 33 sorties, providing critical water drops over the blaze. Meanwhile, the Sokol and S-70i Black Hawk helicopters performed three sorties each, bringing the total aerial firefighting missi...