Philippines newest warship to assist in Marawi rehab

MANILA, Philippines - The Navy’s newest ship BRP Davao del Sur is set to be deployed near strife-torn Marawi and help in the rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts in the city. 

Malacañang said yesterday the landing vessel would be sent to Cotabato City to strengthen the government forces’ campaign against Maute terrorists.

The ship will also deliver military logistics and supplies for ground forces and relief goods for displaced residents.

“BRP Davao del Sur is also ready to provide the support required once the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and rebuilding of Marawi begins,” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said.

It will also assist in military operations in quelling the rebellion in Marawi, he added. 

The vessel will be used as a backup floating medical facility to treat the wounded in the war zones, he added. 

Officials said the rehabilitation of Marawi could only begin after the city is cleared of Maute militants as the military no longer sets a timeline for operations in the area.

The Duterte administration is planning to allot P20 billion for the reconstruction, rebuilding and rehabilitation of the battle-ravaged city.

An executive order outlining the rehabilitation plan is awaiting the President’s signature.  

More than 320,000 people or about 69,000 families have been displaced since the Islamic State-aligned Maute group laid siege in Marawi on May 23. 

The BRP Davao del Sur was launched in 2016 and was commissioned last May 31. Named after one of the main provinces of Mindanao, the ship was built by Indonesian firm PT PAL. It has a maximum carrying capacity of 11,583 tons and can last at sea for 30 days.