More than a week after Typhoon Yolanda hit Tacloban, another batch of survivors arrived in Cebu via a Philippine Navy transport vessel late afternoon Nov. 20, 2013.
BRP Tausug (AT295) transported more than 100 evacuees from Tacloban, mostly in groups, who are taking chances to start a new life in Cebu.
With shared experiences from other Navy vessels already involved in the transport mission, the Acting Commanding Officer of AT295, Lt. Arthur Yamongan said that they organized a team of medics composed of nurses who are also evacuees on board the ship. This was in anticipation of any medical emergency like what LC550 had experienced on her way to Cebu.
“Knowing that the ship will take more than 24 hours travel to Cebu, we coordinated with DSWD for some relief goods that will sustain the messing of the evacuees while the ship is underway,” Yamongan added.
The evacuees were welcomed by volunteers from different governments and private agencies who provided hot meals, medical treatment, free calling services and other relief goods.
The Philippine Navy has already transported more than 5,000 evacuees and rescue and relief teams, more then700 tons of relief goods and various heavy equipment, trucks and small vehicles.
[mappress] Press Release, November 21, 2013; Image: Philippine Navy