MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard is sending a ship filled with relief goods to the Bicol region, its spokesperson said Saturday as rescue and relief operations in areas affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine continue.

Speaking to ANC’s "Dateline Philippines", Commodore Algier Ricafrente said the ship is expected to reach the region by Sunday.

READ: Rescuers battle floodwaters to reach people left stranded by 'Kristine'

He added that the goods being transported were donated through the efforts of ACT-CIS party-list and actor Gerald Anderson, who is a member of the coast guard auxiliary.

The good will be sent to areas that the national government identifies as in need of help, he said.

In a Facebook post, the PCG said BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) left Manila port on Saturday morning carrying food packs, rice, drinking water, canned goods, noodles and coffee.

READ: At least 29 dead, 9 injured in Bicol region due to ‘Kristine’ — police

The coast guard meanwhile continues to help with rescue and evacuation operations in Bicol and in Northern Luzon, where Ricafrente said the PCG has helped around 20,000 leave their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.

Coast guard units are also assisting local government units in provinces where the PCG has outposts and stations, he also said.

He said rescue and evacuation operations had been hampered by downed power and telephone lines, which made access to real time information difficult.

He said, though, that the PCG is hoping to get 100 Starlink satellite phones that First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos facilitated the donation of.

Coast guard personnel are also monitoring two ships in Batangas port, including a motor tanker that had been seized by the customs bureau, that have been damaged by strong winds and waves.

Ricafrente said the coast guard does not “see any possibility of great damage” even if oil from the ships do leak.