MANILA, Philippines — Two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol ships brought relief goods to residents of Catanduanes, which was battered by Super Typhoon Pepito last week.
The BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Suluan, which carried 15,000 family food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, arrived yesterday in Catanduanes from Manila, the PCG said in a statement.
Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG commandant, ordered the deployment of all assets, including patrol vessels, in sending help to storm-stricken communities.
The Teresa Magbanua, hit several times by a China Coast Guard ship before it was ordered to sail back to port after a five-month deployment in Escoda or Sabina Shoal, was also used to carry relief goods for victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in the Bicol region.
The PCG reported that 5,375 families or 18,727 people remained in evacuation centers mostly in Bicol and Metro Manila a week after Pepito pounded most of Luzon.