The Philippine Navy through its Naval Forces based in Southern Luzon deployed BRP Dagupan City (LC 551), a logistics support vessel and BRP Tagbanua (AT 296), a landing craft utility vessel from the City of Cebu to Matnog Pier to address the ongoing congestion of stranded rescuers, relief operations and military troops.
Another four Philippine Navy Auxiliary Reserve Unit (PNARU) vessels, manned by naval reservists, have also been deployed to the site and are expected to arrive today. Likewise, the Navy commissioned MV Maria Natasia, another PNARU vessel, which has already transported relief goods, military troops, disaster responders and trucks from the Matnog Port.
AT 296 should have also arrived in Matnog Port on Sunday.
According to the Philippine Navy, the augmentation of PN vessels is aimed solely for relief and disaster response purposes, priorities being AFP, PNP, Line agencies and LGUs.
[mappress] Press Release, November 18, 2013; Image: Philippine Navy