AFP sends 34 ships to Mindanao

From Rappler (Mar 13): AFP sends 34 ships to Mindanao

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has sent 34 ships to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (Basulta) as evacuees from Sabah continue to arrive in these provinces.

In a statement, AFP spokesman Col Arnulfo Burgos said the ships have already been sent to the Basulta area, where they will conduct maritime patrols and provide humanitarian assistance to evacuees.

The Philippine Air Force also placed its C-130 plane on standby to transport relief goods from Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi.

The Philippine Navy's AT 291 departed Zamboanga City on Tuesday, March 12, to deliver relief goods and 15 drums of fuel to Jolo, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Another Navy ship, PS22 arrived in Bongao Wednesday morning from Taganak Island in Turtle Islands.

"While the transport of evacuees is ongoing, our troops on the ground continue to provide sea marshaling to all commercial vessels traveling from Zamboanga Pier to Suba-Nipa-Margosastubig, Lamitan, Isabela, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi to ensure the safety and security of the passengers," Burgos said.

The AFP also has mobile patrols at Wee Ben Pier, Tres Marias Pier and Hadji Taja Pier all in Zamboanga City as well as in Tumalutab Island and Sacol Island Pier.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/23714-afp-sends-34-ships-to-mindanao