Navy sends relief goods to ‘Reming’ victims in Albay

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) quickly sent tons of used clothing and assorted dried goods and ready to eat meals to sustain the immediate needs of the surviving residents of Albay ravaged by super typhoon "Reming," according to an official.

Commodore Geronimo Defensor, NFWM chief said the relief goods were generated from the concerned fishing companies and residents of this southern port city after seeing the heart wrenching situation of hundreds of survivors in affected areas.

"The sympathies were so high, the scene was heart wrenching that these donors need not be asked or requested for their assistance because of what they saw from survivors where some if not all have even lost their entire clans from the wrath of nature," Defensor said.

He said 96 bales of used clothing locally known as ‘ukay-ukay’ have been transported in a 20-footer container is expected to arrive Friday in Manila for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distribution to the affected civilians.

Additional 100 bales of ‘ukay-ukay’ were also loaded aboard the navy’s landing ship transport (LST) 501 along with sacks of rice, boxes of sardines and dried fish that came from various fishing corporations here.

Defensor said the relief goods aboard the navy ship will steam straight to Bicol and also expected to arrive in the area by Friday.

The bales of used clothes were part of the intensified confiscation of the navy here.

Defensor said that they will continue to pour more relief goods to sustain the needs of the surviving victims.