Naval Forces Central welcomes back first Navy vessel to dock at Pag-asa Island

The Naval Forces Central (NFC) on Saturday welcomed back BRP Ivatan (LC298) in Lapu-Lapu City after its historic dock at Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan Group on May 13.

In a statement on Monday, NFC public affairs officer Lieutenant Junior Grade Frances Maye Macapinig said that the Ivatan, skippered by Commander Bernie Demetillo, set sail from Captain Veloso Pier en route to Puerto Princesa City, Palawan to undertake a sealift mission and implement the rotation and reprovisioning of sailors and marines assigned at different stations and detachments in the West Philippine Sea.

The Ivatan was the first Philippine Navy vessel to berth on Pag-asa's newly inaugurated beaching ramp. 

On June 15, BRP Ivatan was recalled to central command and arrived safely at Captain Veloso Pier, Naval Base Rafael Ramos, Looc, Lapu-Lapu City to continue its service in the Visayas region.

With the return of the vessel, the NFC will continue to provide naval power to the central command in accomplishing its mission as well as its commitment in supporting the Inter-Agency Task Force amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Macapinig said.

Meanwhile, NFC Commander Commodore Dorvin Jose Legaspi has awarded certificates of recognition to the officers and men of the BRP Ivatan for their “revered achievements in the performance of their duties and responsibilities in successfully accomplishing their mission.” — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News