Navy sends 13 ships, 1 aircraft to quake-hit Central Visayas

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Navy on Wednesday said it has sent 13 ships to Central Visayas to help in the relief operations in areas hit by the magnitude-7.2 earthquake.

Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said the 13 ships include BRP Tagbanua, a dedicated vessel for relief operations, 2 logistics ships, four diesel fast crafts, five patrol gunboats and a patrol ship.

Fabic said they have also sent an Islander aircraft to Central Visayas to assist in the humanitarian efforts.

The Navy has also sent three Disaster Rescue and Response Teams to the earthquake-ravaged region.

"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.

Police have reported that a total of 107 people have been confirmed killed in the earthquake that struck in Carmen, Bohol at 8:21 a.m. on Tuesday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management council (NDRRMC) has also reported that 2.8 million people were affected by the earthquake in Central Luzon and more than 12,500 persons were staying in evacuation centers.