Navy dispatches two vessels to Mindanao for security and patrol missions

THE Philippine Navy has deployed two of its vessels to Mindanao on Monday for security and patrol duties.

Navy chief Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad led the send-off ceremony for the BRP Ang Pangulo (ACS25) and the BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35).

The ACS25, which is the presidential yacht, was being deployed to Davao City-based Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao to augment the Davao operational base of the Presidential Security Group.

On the other hand, the PS35 has sailed to the Naval Forces Western Mindanao in Zamboanga City, following its weapons upgrade to further strengthen the Navy’s presence in the area.

“BRP Emilio Jacinto will be joining our fleet assets in Western Mindanao after months of undergoing repair. She shall be performing a very important mission particularly in safeguarding our islands and preventing intrusions to our boundaries,” said Empedrad.

“In the same manner, ACS25 shall be sent to perform a very special role in safeguarding the second residence of our President in Davao,” he added.

Empedrad said that although Davao City is a generally peaceful place, the presence of ACS25 in the vicinity will also provide a “much safer place not only for the President but all the people of the city.”

“Her presence will add assurance that their Navy is just a stone’s throw away,” Empedrad said.

Navy Spokesman Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said the deployment of the two vessels in Mindanao was crucial to their effective conduct of various operations in the areas of maritime patrol and internal security.

“Moreover, they will be a great help in the ongoing relief efforts in the aftermath of several earthquakes that shook various parts of Mindanao with their logistics support and HADR [humanitarian assistance and disaster response] capabilities,” she said.