NAVAL STATION JOSE ANDRADA, Manila -- The Philippine Navy landing dock, BRP Tarlac (LD601), departed from Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila today, December 22 for a sealift and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) mission to areas severely affected by Typhoon Odette in Visayas and Mindanao.

LD601 is transporting approximately 350,000 kilograms of relief goods and essential personal supplies from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Rotary Club of Manila, Globe Telecom, The Bellevue Manila, New World Makati Hotel, Operations Blessing, non-governmental organizations and private individuals.

Around 150 tons more of rolling cargoes are also onboard, consisting of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Mobile Kitchen, military vehicles with water tanks, trucks from Meralco and Maynilad, as well as Bank on Wheels.

Meanwhile, the 200-man contingent from the Marine Amphibious Ready Unit (MARU) of the 9th Marine Battalion configured as a disaster ready response unit capable of HADR and other military operations are deployed onboard.

BRP Tarlac is one of the PN's two largest vessels programmed as military sealift and transport vessels. Because of its ability to transport a large number of personnel, logistics, and supplies, it is a critical asset for civil-military operations and HADR. Our country being an archipelagic nation brings out the relevance of this capability.

Said vessel is part of the 19-ship humanitarian aid-focused vessels assembled by the PN and deployed in the areas devastated by "Odette".

This deployment highlights the Navy's relentless efforts and critical role in the whole of government approach to enable the sustained delivery of relief goods and rehabilitation materials that will help alleviate the hardships of our fellow Filipinos affected by this calamity. (PN)