Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City – In line with the government’s humanitarian assistance efforts, the Armed Forces of the Philippines through the Western Mindanao Command and Western Command deployed additional mobility assets from the existing 25 to 34 Navy ships in the areas near Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Sulu. The ships are currently performing maritime security patrols and are providing humanitarian assistance in aid of the evacuees from Sabah.
Starting last Monday, the Philippine Air Force has dedicated one C-130 aircraft for the purpose of transporting relief goods from Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi intended for the evacuees.
The Philippine Navy on the other hand deployed AT291 vessel which departed Zamboanga City yesterday to deliver relief goods and 15 drums of fuel products to Jolo and Tawi-Tawi. They arrived at the area earlier this morning.
Another Navy vessel, the PS22 departed Taganak Island yesterday to facilitate the transport of 423 evacuees to Bangao, Tawi-Tawi. This was in convoy with M/L Fatima Editha III which carried 100 evacuees for Jolo, Sulu. They arrived in the area earlier today.
While the transport of evacuees are ongoing, our troops on the ground continue to provide sea marshalling to all Commercial vessels travelling from Zamboanga City Pier to Suba-Nipa-Margosatubig, Lamitan, Isabela, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi to ensure the safety and security of the passengers.
We are also maintaining our mobile patrols at Wee Ben Pier, Tres Marias Pier and Hadji Taja Pier all of Brgy Baliwasan Seaside and Zamboanga City, as well as in Tumalutab Island and Sacol Island Pier, all of Zamboanga City.
Marine Battalion Landing Teams are continuously monitoring and conducting mobile/foot patrols along our coastlines, and securing all ports in their areas of responsibilities. Intelligence monitoring is likewise intensified for the safety and security of all civilians.
Interception Incidents (Initial Report)
On or about 6:30 AM today, while Philippine Navy vessel PS38 and PG370 are conducting maritime patrol along the seawater off Omapoy Island and Bulo-Bulo Island, all of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi respectively intercepted two watercraft loaded with 35 evacuees.
The Naval Task Force immediately gave them medical assistance and they are now being processed for proper disposition.
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