The Philippine Navy (PN) said Tuesday, Oct. 7, that it transported approximately 17 tons of assorted relief goods to isolated island barangays in northern Cebu as part of sustained humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) efforts in the aftermath of the devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province.

The Naval Forces Central (NFC) coordinated relief operations in the municipalities of Daanbantayan, Bantayan Island, and Medellin to provide essential supplies to communities cut off from the mainland due to damaged infrastructure and disrupted transport links on Oct. 6.

Among the recipient island barangays were Carnaza and Logon in Daanbantayan; Suba and Isla Botong in Bantayan; Kinatarcan in Santa Fe; and Gibitngil in Medellin.

The delivery was carried out through a ship-to-shore operation, a complex but efficient transfer method involving PN personnel, reservists, and community volunteers who ensured the orderly unloading and distribution of goods to local residents.

Commodore Joselito E. De Guzman, commander of the NFC, said the operation was closely coordinated with the Office of Civil Defense in Central Visayas (OCD-7) and the local social welfare offices of the affected municipalities.

Two Navy ships, BRP Rafael Pargas (PC-379) and BRP Filipino Flojo (PC-386), were deployed to ferry the supplies directly to the island barangays, supported by personnel from subordinate Navy units and reservist contingents.

De Guzman said the mission was part of NFC’s proactive measures to ensure the swift, secure, and efficient delivery of assistance to areas that are geographically isolated and difficult to access by land transport.

“Despite the logistical challenges posed by distance and rough seas, our sailors and reservists worked tirelessly to make sure that no community is left behind in this relief effort,” he said.

Another Navy ship, BRP Dagupan City (LS-551), also docked at the Cebu Port loaded with food packs, bottled water, hygiene kits, sleeping mats, and other essential supplies bound for evacuation centers and remote communities severely affected by the quake.

The ship also brought disaster response vehicles, generators, tents, and medical supplies to aid both rescue teams and displaced families.

A contingent of Navy disaster response personnel, engineers, and medical teams were also deployed to assist in clearing debris, conducting relief missions, and providing logistical and medical support to affected residents.