Navy’s largest ship in Sulu mission

The BRP (PNA) Tarlac, the Philippine Navy’s largest ship, is in the waters of Sulu, serving as the command-and-control vessel in naval operations to cut off the Abu Sayyaf ’s sea escape routes.

The Tarlac “(BRP Tarlac) is now serving in Sulu as command-and-control vessel for (ongoing sea denial) missions,” PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in a message to the PNA Friday said.

A massive offensive against the Abu Sayyaf was launched in Sulu last August 25, shortly after the bandits beheaded its captive, 18-yearold Patrick Almodavar, whose family failed to pay a R1 million ransom.

Around 32 terrorists and 15 soldiers have been killed in the series of clashes.

The Tarlac, a strategic stealth vessel (SSV), was commissioned during short ceremonies at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor last June 1.

She arrived in the Philippines last May 14 after a five-day journey from PT PAL (Persero)’s shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia.

The Philippines has ordered two SSVs from the Indonesian shipbuilder worth P3.8 billion.

The Tarlac was formally presented to the public at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor last May 16.

She was assigned to the Philippine Fleet’s Sealift Amphibious Force.

The ship has an overall length of 120 meters, breadth of 21 meters, draft of five meters and a payload of 2,800 tons.

The Tarlac has a cruising speed of 13 knots and maximum speed of 16 knots and a minimum operating range of 7,500 nautical miles.

Her sister ship is expected to be delivered by May, 2017. The ship has a complement of 121 officers and enlisted personnel.

She can carry 500 troops, two rigid-hull inflatable boats, two landing craft and three helicopters.