The Philippine Navy (PN) said the BRP Ang Pangulo (ACS-25), which was repurposed into a floating hospital, has finally arrived in Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte on Dec. 22, bringing essential relief items, essential goods, and construction materials for the recovery and rehabilitation of communities ravaged by Typhoon Odette.
“The now repurposed 10-bed floating hospital ship, ACS25, departed Manila on December 19, carrying thousands of relief goods and other essential items intended for the ‘Odette’ affected populace in Mindanao,” Navy spokesperson, Commander Benjo Negranza said in a statement Thursday night.
The Navy’s landing craft BRP Ivatan (LC-298), which earlier arrived at Dapa, Siargao, came alongside the BRP Ang Pangulo to transfer the relief goods and other cargoes for transport to Siargao.
The presidential yacht and the landing craft are part of the 19-ship humanitarian aid-focused flotilla of the PN that was deployed to the areas devastated by “Odette”.
“The PN uses all of its available resources to assist in disaster-stricken areas, ensuring flexible and timely delivery of relief goods to aid fellow Filipinos affected by ‘Odette’ in overcoming their ordeals,” Negranza said.
Meanwhile, missile-frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-151), departed from Rivera Wharf, Subic Bay, Zambales on December 23 to transport assorted relief goods and other essential items to Palawan.
About 38,290 kilograms of relief goods and other essential items are onboard BRP Jose Rizal.
Negranza said these are consolidated donations from the Philippine Marine Corps, 3rd Marine Brigade, Marine Battalion Landing Teams 3 and 4, Civil Military Operations Group-Philippine Navy, Police Regional Office 1 and 3, and other non-governmental organizations, including Bank of Commerce and Alabang Group.
“The Philippine Navy’s Jose Rizal-class frigates, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), enables the PN in better conducting sovereignty patrols, territorial defense, maritime operations, and, most importantly, humanitarian and disaster response operations,” he added.
Source: Philippines News Agency
