PH Navy to send biggest, newest ships to assist ‘Urduja’ victims

Children walk past debris and damaged houses trees in Barangay San Mateo Borongan in eastern Samar on December 17, 2017, after Tropical Depression Urduja (Int’l name Kai-Tak) blew through the area. / AFP PHOTO / ALREN BERONIO

The Philippine Navy will send its biggest and newest ships to assist the victims of Tropical Depression Urduja in Eastern Visayas.

“The Flag Officer-in-command Vice Adm. Ronald Joseph Mercado has directed Naval Forces Central in Mactan, Cebu to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions in affected areas,” the Navy said in a statement on Monday.

The Navy’s newest and largest ships, the Landing Dock and Landing Craft Heavy, will be used to sealift goods, equipment, and personnel to assist in relief operations.

Mercado also encouraged local officials and civic groups to reach out to the Naval Forces Central or other Navy units for assistance.

He also extended the Navy’s sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who died from the tropical cyclone.

Eastern Visayas bore the brunt of Tropical Depression Urduja, with at least 30 dead and 40 persons missing. /je