NFWM send off navy ships to Marawi

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (June 1, 2017) - Naval Forces Western Mindanao sent off two Navy vessels to Marawi City on Tuesday (May 30) at 10 a.m in Ensign Majini Pier, Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, Calarian, Zamboanga City, military official said.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao information officer LTJG Maycee Ann B Angga disclosed that the Landing Craft 288 (BRP Waray) and 298 (BRP Ivatan) transported Fleet-Marine Team composed of combat service support elements and K9 units to augment troops that are currently fighting against local terrorist group Maute in Marawi City.

Relief goods are also on board the Navy vessels for the civilians affected by the conflict in Marawi City. These consolidated relief goods are from various stakeholders and agencies, government and non-government, around Zamboanga City for the Marawi evacuees in Iligan City, she added.

The Commander of NFWM, Rear Adm. Rene V. Medina AFP presided the simple send-off ceremony. In his message to the troops, he bid everyone fair winds, clear skies and following seas as they embark on their journey. He likewise expressed his confidence to the brave men and women of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Marine Corps who will go on this mission, and wished that may they be home as soon as the Maute group is neutralized.

LTJG Angga further said that these troops and equipment were being sent to Iligan City to augment the military in the continuous fighting between the government forces and Maute group in Marawi City that sparked last week. The AFP is positive that these additional personnel and logistical support will strengthen the military stronghold in the area and will eventually crush these lawless elements.