Navy deploys 10 vessels in 6 areas

Responding to the present peace and order situation, the Philippine Navy deploys today 10 vessels to reinforce troops of the Armed Forces in Davao, Zamboanga, Palawan, Cebu, Southern Tagalog and Northern Luzon.

To be deployed are five gunboats — BRP Florencio Iñigo (PG393), BRP Felix Apolinario (PG395), BRP Jose Andrada (PG370), BRP Rafael Pargas (PG379) and BRP Salvador Abcede (PG114) — the minesweeper frigate BRP Quezon (PS70), the logistic support vessel BRP Dagupan City (LC551), oil tenders BRP Lake Buhi (AF78) and BRP Mangyan (AS71), and a reverine utility craft (VU469).

Cmdr. Geronimo Malabanan, Navy spokesman, said the 10 vessels will provide additional patrols, perform sealift capabilities, set up a naval blockade, provide fuel, support ground troops and transport civilians and troops in the six areas. — Mike Frialde, Jaime Laude