Philippine Navy (PN) landing craft BRP Iwak (LC-289) has transported urgently needed relief supplies and goods to Typhoon Odette-battered Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte province on Wednesday.

“The PN, through Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao’s landing craft BRP Iwak (LC-289), is continuing its sealift, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief mission for the residents of the Dinagat Islands and Surigao Del Norte,” the PN said in its Facebook post on Thursday afternoon.

The BRP Iwak is among the 27 ships deployed by the PN to help in the ongoing relief efforts for “Odette” devastated communities.

“LC-289 departed Eva Macapagal (a ferry terminal in Surigao Del Norte) January 12, bound for Dinagat Islands, transporting rolling cargo from Butuan City’s local government unit, rolling cargo from the Office of Civil Defense with 7.1 tons of water to be distributed throughout the province, and rolling cargo from other stakeholders,” the PN added.

There were also 20 passengers on board the ship, 10 from the Philippine National Police and 10 civilians.

Another ship, the BRP Ang Pangulo (ACS-25), the presidential yacht which has been repurposed into floating hospital shortly after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette last month, has so far provided medical aid to 842 patients from Siargao and the Dinagat Islands.

BRP Ang Pangulo left Manila on December 19, carrying thousands of relief goods and other essential items intended for the affected population in Mindanao.

PN spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza earlier said they use their resources to assist disaster-stricken areas to ensure the timely delivery of relief goods to the typhoon victims. (PNA)