13 ships, one PN aircraft deployed for quake relief efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 16): 13 ships, one PN aircraft deployed for quake relief efforts

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Wednesday said that it has deployed 13 ships and one Islander aircraft to help in the ongoing relief efforts in Central Visayas, which was badly hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake Tuesday morning.

"BRP Tagbanua (AT-296) is the dedicated vessel for the relief operations. (She) is presently now in Cebu. There are also two other logistic ships, four diesel fast craft, five patrol gunboats and patrol ship and an Islander aircraft," Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.

He said that they already sent three disaster rescue and response teams (DRRTs) helping in the ongoing search-and-rescue operations in the affected areas. Each team is composed of one officer and 14 enlisted personnel.

"Our Naval Reservists from Naval Forces Eastern Visayas and 83rd Marine Reserve Battalion were activated to assist in the ongoing rescue and relief operations," Fabic said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=576776