Navy sends BRP Tarlac to typhoon-hit areas

November 17, 2020

The Philippine Navy sent landing dock ship BRP Tarlac on Tuesday as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shifted its efforts to massive relief distribution and rehabilitation in areas affected by recent typhoons.

"The AFP has shifted to massive relief distribution and rehabilitation operations," said Major General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman, on Tuesday.

"AFP Chief of Staff Gen Gilbert Gapay mobilized all sea, air, and land assets lifting tons of relief goods, construction materials, heavy engineering equipment for storm devastated areas," he added.

Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, Philippine Navy spokesperson, said the send-off ceremony for the BRP Tarlac that was overseen by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was held at Pier 15, South Harbor.

Also present were Navy Fleet Commander Rear Adm. Louder Bernabe who represented Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Bacordo, other senior military officials and executives from the Office of Civil Defense.

Roxas said BRP Tarlac was carrying 255 tons of assorted relief goods and construction materials from different government agencies, non government organizations, and private individuals.

The relief assistance will be transported by BRP Tarlac to Catanduanes that was recently battered by two typhoons in just one week.  

"BRP Tarlac, skippered by Navy Capt. Norman Mutia, is one of the two largest vessels of the Philippines Navy programmed as military sealife and transport vessels," she said.  

"It is a critical asset for civil military  operations and HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) due to its capability of transporting a large number of personnel, logistics and supplies," Roxas said. Robina Asido/DMS