Navy vessel BRP Alfredo Peckson, under the operational control of the Naval Forces Central, rescued more than 100 passengers of a ferry that broke down 1.2 nautical miles from Carmen, Cebu last Saturday.
A report received by the NFC Operations Center stated that a passenger vessel, owned by EB Aznar Shipping Corp., encountered some problems, prompting it to dispatch the BRP Alfredo Peckson.
Upon arrival at the site, the passengers were immediately rescued as the passenger’s vessel was already listing.
The passengers were ferried to the Captain Veloso Pier of the NFC where they were given immediate medical attention and meals.
They were provided alternative transportation to get them to either Mandaue, Danao, or Cebu City.
According to the passengers, the vessel encountered problems with her steering wheel.
The ill-fated vessel left Pingag Ferry Terminal in Isabel, Leyte and was headed to the Danao City Port when the incident happened.
The passengers took the trip from Pingag Ferry Terminal to Danao City Port through EB Aznar Shipping Corp. The distressed vessel was eventually escorted by the Philippine Coast Guard to Danao City Port.
The Central Command, through the NFC and its operational control units, expressed its readiness to render necessary services and assistance in the best ways it can to respond to people in need and to help reunite them with their loved ones.
“Your Armed Forces in the Visayas is always on alert to respond to ensure the safety and security of the people in the Visayas and its nearby communities,” the NFC said. (Francis Wakefield)
