Navy to send BRP Davao Del Sur, BRP Ramon Alcaraz to Middle East

The Philippine Navy will send some of its ships to the Middle East to assist in the repatriation of Overseas Filipino Workers amid the tension in the region, Navy's Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said on Tuesday.

The send-off ceremony for BRP Davao Del Sur (LD 602) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS 16) is scheduled on Tuesday afternoon at Pier 13 of the Manila South Harbor.

"I think 'yung crew ng both ships, 130 each 'yan eh and then 'yung almost a hundred din 'yung... kasi kasama 'yung medical team, 'yung SEAL, 'yung mga repair team, basta isang task group na pupunta," Empedrad said in a phone interview. 

The Navy chief said the main mission of the troops is to bring home safely the Filipino workers who were affected by the escalating tension in the Middle East following the killing of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in a US strike.

"Based sa guidance ni President is to bring back affected Filipino people from the Middle East sa atin," Empedrad said.

"Be safe and then be vigilant, be alert and then be safe and then make sure that the safety of, syempre 'yung laging safety of the crew and the ship is always paramount at all times," he added.

Empedrad cannot say yet where exactly the two water vessels will dock in the Middle East, noting that it is still being coordinated by Philippine authorities.

"Kinocoodinate namin or pinagaaralan where is the best port that the ships will be initially docked when they arrive sa Middle East," Empedrad said.

Asked how long the travel will take, Empedrad said it may take 16 to 22 days. —NB, GMA News