Navy sends three Multi-Purpose Attack Craft help rescue couple in Mindanao

October 18, 2019

Following the abduction of Hyron couple two weeks ago, the Philippine Navy deployed three Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC)Mark III to Mindanao.


Capt. Salvador Henry Quinto, Philippine Navy acting spokesman, said the send-off ceremony for the three MPACs was held at Captain Moya Boat Landing in Sangley Point last Wednesday.


He said the ceremony was led by the deputy commander of the Philippine Fleet, Commodore Wilfredo Burgunio.


Quinto said in his remarks, Burgunio "reminded the departing sailor to continue making the Navy proud as you serve the Naval Operating Forces as well as the civilian populace who will need your service in the area and as you perform your duties."


He said one of the vessels will be deployed in Eastern Mindanao while two others will be at the western part of southern Philipines were most of the terrorist groups in the country are based.


"These MPACs are part of the recently activated Fourth Boat Attack Division of the Littoral Combat Force," he said.


"One will be assigned under the operational control of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao while the two are underway to Naval Forces Western Mindanao in support of the ongoing anti-kidnapping operations of the AFP in the area," he added.


It can be recalled that government forces in Western Mindanao are doing search and rescue operation following the abduction of the Hyrons in Zamboanga del Sur last Oct. 4.


Quinto said "these brand new, highly maneuverable fact crafts play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s littoral defense and improve maritime interdiction capability."


"Like their missile-capable predecessors, these MPACs will soon be equipped with machine gun and missile systems, making the more lethal and capable of delivering precision fire against the enemies within the littoral," he added. Robina Asido/DMS