BRP Ramon Alcaraz conducts maiden relief mission for 'Yolanda' victims in Tacloban

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22): BRP Ramon Alcaraz conducts maiden relief mission for 'Yolanda' victims in Tacloban

Carrying 123.7 tons of assorted emergency goods and other materials needed for disaster relief, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the country's second Hamilton-class cutter, left for Tacloban City, Leyte minutes after her commissioning at Pier 15 in Manila's South Harbor Friday morning.

Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, Philippine Navy spokesperson, said the ship will serve as command-and-control ship in Tacloban City, relieving her sister-ship BRP Greogio Del Pilar (PF-15) which has been on site since Nov. 17.

"She will also act as our communication ship (for the ongoing relief efforts). BRP Ramon Alcaraz is expected to be in the area by Sunday," he added.

With the impending arrival of the PN's newest ship in Leyte, the number of Navy ships undergoing relief tasks for "Yolanda" is now placed at 25.

Aside from relief stocks, 12 Navy personnel with carpentry and plumbing expertise are also on board the ship which left Manila at around 10 a.m. Friday.

Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano, PN flag officer-in-charge, said that BRP Ramon Alcaraz will be deployed to protect the country's territorial waters, including the West Philippine Sea, once she successfully concludes her first-ever relief mission for the typhoon survivors.

"She will be used to monitor the country's vast territorial waters, including the West Philippine Sea, like her sister-ship BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15)," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=589686