Navy ships transports medical supplies to Visayas

May 28, 2020

The Philippine Navy landing craft heavy BRP Batak  left Cavite City to transport medical supplies in different provinces in the Visayas.

Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, Philippine Navy spokesman, said BRP Batak left Sangley Point, Cavite on Wednesday.

Roxas said the transport mission is in support of the government's efforts against the global pandemic.

"LC 299 will conduct sealift of military personnel, assorted cargoes and deliver thousand sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) and assorted medical supplies from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Naval Task Force against COVID-19," she said.

Roxas said the ship will first land at Catbalogan, Samar, proceed to Ormoc City, Cebu and Iloilo before going back to Cebu City.

"BRP Batak is among the logistic vessels of the Sealift Amphibious Force (SAF) of the Philippine Fleet and under the operational control of NTF50 of the Naval Forces Central in Cebu where it is being deployed to help in the distribution of the PPEs," she said.

During the ship's send-off ceremony, Sealift Amphibious Force commander, Capt. Florante Gagua emphasized the importance of the mission.

"As this force undertakes sealift operations, the mission now plays a vital role in this pandemic.. to move critical and essential requirements in support to the exigency of providing protective equipment for our frontliners and support the "Bayanihan to Heal as One" effort against COVID-19," Gagua said. Robina Asido/DMS