AFP, PNP respond to victims of Superferry 9

Zamboanga City (8 September) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police together with the different line agencies like the local government units and the Philippine Coast Guard immediately responded to the victims of MV Superferry 9 that sunk near Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte, 50 nautical miles of Zamboanga City last Sunday September 6, 2009 while it was on its way from General Santos to Iloilo City killing at least five people out of more than 900 passengers and crews aboard.

Lieutenant Colonel Gamal S Hayudini PAF, Group Commander of the 4th Civil Relations Group, Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines disclosed that the government forces and the other local government units worked as one in providing and extending assistance to the needs of the victims of the disaster.

"It is in incidence like this when people can see that the military are at all times ready to perform its mandate to serve and protect the people not only from threats of terrorism but also at times of calamities," Hayudini said.

Helicopters and OV 10 spotter air crafts of the Philippine Air Force were immediately dispatched to assist in the search and rescue while other government agencies provided for food and transportation of the rescued passengers.

On the other hand, the Philippine Navy dispatched patrol boats together with the Philippine coastguard and other civilian vessels were immediately made available to transport the victims from the sinking vessel to the port of Zamboanga City.

Moreover, the inter-agency coordination of the local government units and other government institutions, like the AFP and the PNP, is truly laudable as they have always been unselfish in giving quality services to the constituents especially at times where they are needed most.