Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy.
QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Navy (PN), through its Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL), has spearheaded “Abot Tulong sa Batanes” relief operations for residents of Batanes and Babuyan islands who were heavily affected by Typhoons Julian, Kristine, and Leon.
“These typhoons caused widespread destruction, damaged infrastructure, and displaced families. In response, the NFNL Task Group “Abot Tulong sa Batanes” is actively leading the Philippine Navy’s relief operations, delivering aid and support to alleviate suffering during this challenging time,” the NFNL said.
The operations were conducted in collaboration with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Command (AFP NOLCOM).
The NFNL said they have already transported approximately 20 metric tons of food, water, and essential supplies for the affected families.
The aid, donated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and OCD, was loaded onto BRP Davao del Sur LD602 en route to Basco, Batanes, the NFNL added.
“Additional relief items, including hygiene kits, communication equipment, and electrical posts, will be delivered by local agencies and various organizations to support the fast recovery of the Ivatan community,” it further said.
Ivatans comprise an Austronesian ethnolinguistic group inhabiting the Batan islands—Batanes and Babuyan islands in the northernmost part of the country.
“The Philippine Navy and NOLCOM reiterate their unwavering commitment to continue supporting Batanes and the entire Ivatans as they face the challenges brought on by these disasters,” the NFNL emphasized. (PIA DMD)
