Philippines Navy sends a naval force to Mid-East to evacuate OFWs

Philippine Navy sent two warships (BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16)) to Middle East in order to to support the evacuation of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) on Tuesday (14th January), as the tension rise in the region after the US drone strike happened.

Speaking before Philippine Navy personnel during the send-off ceremony at Pier 14 in Port Area, Manila, President Duterte said, who attended the ceremony, the Navy’s mission attests to the courage and indomitable spirit of the country’s soldiers and the Filipino nation to overcome any challenge or adversity.

As the mission brings home OFWs who exemplify the very best of Filipino excellence and professionalism as migrant workers, the government recognizes the Navy’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of Filipinos in times of need, according to the President.

The two navy ships, BRP Davao del Sur (LD602) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) with an onboard helicopter form the Naval Task Group (NTG) 82 with around 400 sailors and marines. The task force group is headed by Col. Noel D. Beleran.

The BRP Davao del Sur is one of the largest vessels in the Philippine Navy while the BRP Ramon Alcaraz has modern capability to provide security to the mission. The ships are expected to arrive in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 25 days, with layover in Sri Lanka for refueling and replenishment.

The deployment of two navy assets is in support to the AFP Joint Task Force mission in the Middle East in line with interagency initiative Oplan Pagbabalik aimed at saving lives and bringing home OFWs in Iraq, Iran and other parts of the Middle East.