3 PN ships on standby for Sokor Pinoys repatriation

From the Daily Tribune (Apr 5): 3 PN ships on standby for Sokor Pinoys repatriation

Three ships of the Philippine Navy were placed on standby as part of the government’s preparations for the possible repatriation of Filipinos in South Korea amid the growing tension in the Korean Peninsula.

In a statement, Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Gerald Fabic, spokesman of the Navy, said that Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano ordered three ships and their personnel to be on alert since Monday.

“The Navy chief ordered the troops and the ships to be on alert for possible deployment in contingency and humanitarian assistance especially for Filipinos who will be affected if the conflict arises into a full blown crisis,” said Fabic.

Earlier, the Philippine Air Force also placed two of its three operational C130 cargo planes on standby as part of its contingency plan in case the tension between South Korea and North Korea worsens.

There are more or less 40,000 Filipinos now living and working in South Korea.
Fabic said that the three ships placed on standby were composed of two logistics vessels and an escort.

“Said vessels will be under the operational control of the maneuvering force of the Philippine Navy, the Flletm-Marine Ready Force under the command of Commodore Alexander Lopez,” said Fabic.

“The ships will be placed on standby and will be deployed upon instructions from the higher headquarters,” added Fabic.

The government has set up contingency plans for Filipinos in South Korea after North Korean declared it is now under a “state of war” with South Korea.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/12488-3-pn-ships-on-standby-for-sokor-pinoys-repatriation