Monday, January 23, 2006

RP, U.S. military provide medical and
humanitarian assistance to Sulu residents



A young girl participates in a game set up for
children awaiting care during a Medical Civic
Action Program (MEDCAP) and humanitarian
assistance mission in the town of Indanan,
Sulu on January 15. The Philippine Armed
Forces from Southern Command and the
U.S. Armed Forces from Joint Special
Operations Task Force Philippines treated
more than 750 people from the Indanan area
in the one-day event. Under the ongoing
Project Bayanihan initiative, such joint
humanitarian and civic assistance projects
improve RP-U.S. military civic cooperation
and train civil-military personnel to work
together. (PR)
THE Philippine Armed Forces from Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the U.S. Armed Forces from Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines (JSOTF-P) and local volunteers conducted a Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) and humanitarian assistance mission for the first time in the town of Indanan on January 15.

The MEDCAP was held at a local elementary school under the umbrella of Project Bayanihan, which provides the framework for ongoing humanitarian and civic assistance in Sulu, improves RP-U.S. military civic cooperation, and trains civil-military personnel to work together.

“Our goal here is to provide capacity building to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), conduct together Civil Military Operations in conflict-affected areas and provide a secure environment so that development and social progress can occur,” said Col. James Linder, JSOTF-P Commander.

“With our civilian agency and non-governmental organization partners, we want to show the people of Sulu a development alternative to the all-too-prevalent lawlessness and violence.”

Philippine Armed Forces medics and U.S. Armed Forces medics together treated 750 patients, including 150 dental surgery patients. Free prescription drugs were delivered as well as preventive care supplies including dental care items, vitamins and education kits.

More than $10,000 of medical and humanitarian assistance supplies was distributed to Indanan citizens.

“Throughout this country, with the cooperation of the government of the Republic of the Philippines, we will continue to advise, assist and share information with our AFP counterparts and strengthen their hand in the global war on terrorism,” said Linder.

Indanan, a small town on Sulu Island in the Southern Philippines, has a population of approximately 55,000, with very limited access to rudimentary medical services. (Press Release)

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