Bangladesh warship arriving with aid

MANILA, Philippines - A Bangladesh Navy ship will arrive today on a goodwill visit to bring relief goods to survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.

The BNS Somudra Joy will dock at South Harbor in Manila and will be in the country until Dec. 1.

The ship, manned by 19 officers and 114 sailors, is bringing about 40 tons of assorted relief goods.

The government of Bangladesh earlier announced a  $1-million donation to Yolanda victims.

Philippine Navy personnel will receive the visitors and conduct a port briefing aboard the ship.

Also part of the visit is the courtesy call of Commodore Mohammad Nazmul Karim Kislu, the ship’s commanding officer, on Philippine Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Luis Alano.

Philippine Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said the ambassador of Bangladesh would host a dinner reception aboard the ship, during which Bangladesh’s donations will be turned over to representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Office of Civil Defense.

“The visit is expected to enhance the bilateral relations between the Philippine Navy and Bangladesh Navy, especially in providing mutual assistance during times of disasters like the recent typhoon that devastated Eastern Visayas,” Fabic said.