US and AFP Forces Welcome New JSOTF-P Commander

By Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines Public Affairs Office

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – U.S. Army Col. Fran Beaudette assumed command of Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines (JSOTF-P) from U.S. Navy Capt. Robert Gusentine during a change of command ceremony held at Camp Navarro, Western Mindanao Command June 24.

Beaudette, a 1989 Citadel graduate and Commander of 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), reaffirmed JSOTF-P’s commitment to continuing the partnership and collaboration with the Philippine Security Forces (PSF).

“Colonel Fran Beaudette comes to us as Commander of 1st Special Forces Group. He is a highly effective leader who specializes in teaming with allies and partners to achieve mutual objectives, especially in counterinsurgency environments,” said Commander, Special Operations Command Pacific, Maj. Gen. Norman Brozenick, the ceremony’s guest speaker.

During the ceremony Beaudette congratulated Gusentine on the progress he made while commander.  Beaudette said he is ready to continue the success.

"It is a tremendous honor and privilege to be able to join the men and women of Joint Special Operations Task Force, Philippines, and to serve alongside our exceptional Filipino partners in the fight against terrorism,” said Beaudette during the ceremony.

The Honorable Harry K. Thomas, Jr., U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines presided over the ceremony and extended his congratulations to Beaudette. The ambassador also offered the embassy’s continued support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and to JSOTF-P.

 “You (Beaudette) and JSOTF-P will work side-by-side with our AFP colleagues here in Mindanao, and all through the southern parts of the Philippines, and most importantly with the citizens of the southern Philippines,” Thomas said. “You will be here to continue to demonstrate the United States’ full diplomatic commitment to our allies and our friendship and partnership with the AFP.”  

During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Renato Sanchez, Commander, 3rd Air Division, presented Gusentine with one of the highest AFP honors for JSOTF-P’s contributions by awarding him the AFP’s Chief of Staff Commendation Medal.  Sanchez commented that while under Gusentine’s command, JSOTF-P supported more than 67 Philippine Special Forces operations targeting violent extremist organizations. The operations led to the Philippine Forces capturing 13 high-valued individuals throughout the southern Philippines.

“Gus, your leadership and council was pivotal to assisting the disruption of the Jemaah Islamiyah and Abu Sayyaf Group networks, denying sanctuaries, capturing high-valued targets and delivering essential goods and services to the people,” said Brozenick.

Additionally, Gusentine led the effort to improve the working relationship between JSOTF-P and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to deliver vital humanitarian assistance to the people of the Southern Philippines.

"Today is really my day to say thank you, for the past 12 months I held the best job in the Navy,” said Gusentine, “and I will never forget it.”

Beaudette said in closing, “It is with great pride that I am able to say that I have joined your ranks and I’m ready to stand shoulder to shoulder in supporting each of your efforts.”

Gen. North Visits the Southern Philippines

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Republic of the Philippines (June 22, 2011) -- Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Gen. Gary North and Armed Forces of the Philippines, Brig. Gen. Eldon Luis G. Nemenzo, 3rd Air Division deputy commander are met with honors upon arrival at Edwin Andrews Air Base. During his visit to the Philippines, North met with members of the U.S. Embassy, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. Forces assigned to Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines to discuss the strategic Philippine/U.S. partnership. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC1 Ryan Valverde.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Republic of the Philippines (June 22, 2011) -- Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Gen. Gary North greets members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Western Mindanao Command. During his visit to the Philippines, North met with members of the U.S. Embassy, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. Forces assigned to Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines to discuss the strategic Philippine/U.S. partnership. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC1 Cassandra Thompson.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Republic of the Philippines (June 22, 2011) -- Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Gen. Gary North (right), speaks with Philippines Air Force, Maj. Gen. Renato Lorenzo Sanchez, 3rd Air Division Commander, during an office call at Western Mindanao Command. During his visit to the Philippines, North met with members of the U.S. Embassy, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. Forces assigned to Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines to discuss the strategic Philippine/U.S. partnership. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC1 Ryan Valverde.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Republic of the Philippines (June 22, 2011) -- Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Gen. Gary North addresses Airmen assigned to Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines at Edwin Andrews Air Base. During his visit to the Philippines, North met with members of the U.S. Embassy, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. Forces assigned to Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines to discuss the strategic Philippine/U.S. partnership. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC1 Ryan Valverde.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Republic of the Philippines (June 22, 2011) -- Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Gen. Gary North addresses Airmen assigned to Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines at Edwin Andrews Air Base. During his visit to the Philippines, North met with members of the U.S. Embassy, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. Forces assigned to Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines to discuss the strategic Philippine/U.S. partnership. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC1 Ryan Valverde.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Republic of the Philippines (June 22, 2011) -- Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Gen. Gary North talks with an Airman assigned to Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines at Edwin Andrews Air Base. During his visit to the Philippines, North met with members of the U.S. Embassy, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. Forces assigned to Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines to discuss the strategic Philippine/U.S. partnership. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC1 Ryan Valverde.)

U.S., Philippine Navies Join for 17th CARAT Exercise in Palawan

U.S., Philippine Navies Join for 17th CARAT Exercise in Palawan

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (NNS) -- Three U.S. Navy ships arrived in Puerto Princesa, Philippines, to launch the 17th Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines, June 28. ... read about it here.

Operation Smile Brings Hope to ARMM Children

AWANG, Maguindanao, Philippines, (June 11, 2011) Families of cleft lip patients wait outside the operating room at Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Camp Siongco Station in Maguindanao for their names to be called. The AFP's 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao partnered with Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P), Knightsbridge International, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Department of Health, ARMM Department of Social Welfare and Development and local volunteer nurses to bring the non-governmental organization Operation Smile into the ARMM for the first time, and conduct close to 100 surgeries in four days (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

AWANG, Maguindanao, Philippines (June 11, 2011) The family of a cleft lip patient, and their belongings, arrive at Camp Siongco Station in Maguindanao in the back of an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) five-ton truck. The AFP's 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao partnered with Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P), Knightsbridge International, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Department of Health, ARMM Department of Social Welfare and Development and local volunteer nurses to bring the non-governmental organization Operation Smile into the ARMM for the first time, and conduct close to 100 reconstructive surgeries in four days (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Theodore Green/Released)

AWANG, Maguindanao, Philippines, (June 11, 2011) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) nurses help with patient inprocessing of children waiting for cleft lip and cleft palate surgery at Camp Siongco Station in Maguindanao. The AFP's 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao partnered with Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P), Knightsbridge International, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Department of Health, ARMM Department of Social Welfare and Development and local volunteer nurses to bring the non-governmental organization Operation Smile into the ARMM for the first time, and conduct close to 100 surgeries in four days (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

AWANG, Maguindanao, Philippines, (June 11, 2011)  Plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses from Operation Smile work through the night to perform reconstructive surgery on provincial children at Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Camp Siongco Station in Maguindanao. The AFP's 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao partnered with Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P), Knightsbridge International, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Department of Health, ARMM Department of Social Welfare and Development and local volunteer nurses to bring the non-governmental organization Operation Smile into the ARMM for the first time, and conduct close to 100 surgeries in four days (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

AWANG, Maguindanao, Philippines, (June 11, 2011) A team of plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses from Operation Smile perform one of the more challenging cases of the four-day event.  The surgeries took place on provincial children at Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Camp Siongco Station in Maguindanao. The AFP's 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao partnered with Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P), Knightsbridge International, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Department of Health, ARMM Department of Social Welfare and Development and local volunteer nurses to bring the non-governmental organization Operation Smile into the ARMM for the first time, and conduct close to 100 surgeries in four days (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

Operation Smile Brings Hope to ARMM Children

(Feature Story)

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines (June 11, 2011) – For thousands of children in southern Mindanao with cleft lip or cleft palate deformities, life can be a struggle. In addition to the dental, nasal, and speech problems that may develop from their condition, these children may have little hope of attending school or enjoying a normal life.

Although cleft lip and cleft palate surgery is common in urban areas where access to medical facilities exists, it is an expensive procedure and uncommon opportunity for families living in remote areas. The possibility of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) volunteering their services in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is complicated by the area’s reputation for instability and difficult access to remote areas.

For this reason, the cooperative effort between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P), Knightsbridge International, ARMM Department of Health, and ARMM Department of Social Welfare and Development to bring a team of plastic surgeons from Operation Smile to Maguindanao and give nearly 100 patients this life-altering surgery free of charge is unprecedented.

From June 7-11, more than 100 families arrived, primarily by 6th Infantry Division trucks, and crowded the usually serene lawn on Camp Siongco Hospital transforming it into a triage and in-processing center for Operation Smile.

Because of ongoing construction of a new hospital facility, Col. Eric De Leon, AFP commanding officer of the Camp Siongco Hospital, explained that the base had no waiting room, recovery room, or operating room for the doctors to work in. But he remained undaunted in his pursuit to support Operation Smile. With a little ingenuity and hard work by combined AFP and US forces, a bare room was converted into the surgical area, and two barracks buildings were cleared out to make room for overnight and recovering patients. AFP nurses helped with the prescreening of patients, and AFP cooks provided hundreds of meals for their guests.

“In line with the Bayanihan spirit, AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan, we are assisting the Local Government Units (LGUs) and NGOs to provide medical services to the less fortunate in the areas of Maguindanao,” said De Leon. “This will make a big impact on the community, because when the families get back to their respective municipalities, they could tell their neighbors how effective the AFP is.”

Knightsbridge International, a Philippine-based NGO, procured the necessary medical equipment and supplies, and RN HEALS provided volunteer nurses to stay in the recovery wards overnight with patients.

“We’ve always talked about it, but we’ve hardly touched the ARMM areas,” explained Dr. Lawrence Loh, team leader for the incipient Operation Smile mission in Cotabato. “People are afraid to come into the ARMM area, they see it as a dangerous place. But we see a great need to take care of these kids. So many of them were registered and screened. We definitely have to come back.”

Operation Smile, a U.S. NGO that has been in service since 1982, arrived in Maguindanao June 7.  After a slow start (only 7 patients on the first day), and with the help of local nurses and nursing students, the pace quickly increased on the last day. Plastic surgeons and staff worked into the night to perform a total of 96 surgeries.

“A lot of people say this is a war-torn area, but the doctors and nurses from Operation Smile came here with courage and scalpels. I am so glad that I got to participate here,” said Jade Demao, a newly certified nurse, who said she will remember this rewarding mission as her first real job.

“You can see the results after the surgery,” added De Leon. “A happy face and a happy family going back home, which leads to a better community.”

AFP, JSOTF-P and USDA Participate in Sulu Agricultural Seminar

JOLO, Philippines (June 1, 2011) A U.S. Army soldier assigned to the Joint Service Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) thanks Mindanao State University Sulu faculty and students for attending a veterinary/agricultural seminar at the Sulu Area Coordination Center. The seminar, hosted by Sulu's provincial government, was the first of its kind in Sulu, and featured Philip Shull, a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service counselor. The seminar highlighted the USDA as a ready resource for agricultural advice and programs in conflict-affected areas. JSOTF-P is temporarily deployed in southern Philippines at the request of the Philippine government. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

JOLO, Philippines (June 1, 2011) Mindanao State University Sulu students listen to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Joint Service Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) representatives speak at a veterinary/agricultural seminar held at the Sulu Area Coordination Center. The seminar, hosted by Sulu's provincial government, was the first of its kind in Sulu, and featured Philip Shull, a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service counselor. The seminar highlighted the USDA as a ready resource for agricultural advice and programs in conflict-affected areas. JSOTF-P is temporarily deployed in southern Philippines at the request of the Philippine government. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

JOLO, Philippines (June 1, 2011) Philip Shull, a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) foreign service counselor, speaks to Mindanao State University Sulu faculty and students at a veterinary/agricultural seminar at the Sulu Area Coordination Center. Shull was the keynote speaker and said he hoped the seminar, conducted for the first time in Sulu and hosted by the provincial government, would draw attention to the USDA as a ready resource for agricultural advice and programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

JOLO, Philippines (June 1, 2011) Philip Shull, a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) foreign service counselor, speaks to Mindanao State University Sulu faculty and students at a veterinary/agricultural seminar at the Sulu Area Coordination Center. Shull was the keynote speaker and said he hoped the seminar, conducted for the first time in Sulu and hosted by the provincial government, would draw attention to the USDA as a ready resource for agricultural advice and programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

JOLO, Philippines (June 1, 2011) Mindanao State University Sulu faculty and students pose for a photo during a veterinary/agricultural seminar held at the Sulu Area Coordination Center. The seminar, hosted by Sulu’s provincial government, was the first of its kind in Sulu and featured Philip Shull, a USDA Foreign Agricultural Service counselor. Shull said he hoped the seminar would draw attention to the USDA as a ready resource for agricultural advice and programs. JSOTF-P is temporarily deployed in southern Philippines at the request of the Philippine government. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

AFP, JSOTF-P and USDA Participate in Sulu Agricultural Seminar

(Press Release) 

JOLO, Philippines (June 1, 2011) More than 100 faculty members and students from Mindanao State University, Sulu, participated on June 1 in a historic Veterinary/Agricultural Seminar at the Sulu Area Coordination Center.

Hosted by Sulu’s provincial government, the seminar, which was the first of its kind in conflict-affected Sulu province, featured Philip Shull, a foreign service agricultural counselor from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and veterinarians from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P).

Shull said he hopes the seminar will help Sulu barangays develop a closer relationship with the Philippine government and draw attention to the value of the resources at the U.S. Embassy for agricultural advice and support programs.

“We hope they see the U.S. as a positive partner with the Philippine government and a positive force in the lives and communities of the Filipino people,” Shull said. “And we are hopeful that in the future we will be able to do regular outreach seminars like this and bring in experts who can convey information that is critical and will have a quick and direct impact on their lives, their livelihood, and their families.”

Also in attendance were Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan and members of the Philippine Department of Agriculture, the Philippines Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Sulu Area Coordination Center (ACC).

The U.S. Army veterinarian assigned to JSOTF-P said the goal of the seminar was to engage the local government in partnership with the U.S. Embassy and the AFP and eventually help facilitate this kind of civic assistance with increasingly greater local government participation and sponsorship.

“The presence of the USDA team was critical because it helped marry provincial-level assets with their national-level counterparts,” said another JSOTF-P team member. 

“These relationships will help Sulu coordinate future seminars and subject matter information exchanges, enhancing the knowledge and capacity of the local farmers of Sulu.”

In addition to giving practical advice on farming techniques, the speakers used samples, pamphlets, and handouts to increase awareness of common livestock diseases and toxic plants in southern Mindanao and introduce new uses for familiar agricultural products, including home remedies for common illnesses.

“We appreciate and welcome so many groups coming together sharing their thoughts, resources, and enthusiasm for agriculture,” said Fazlur Abdullah, Sulu ACC director.

“The mission of the governor is to enhance, develop, and improve our natural resources. Opening up to the outside world, floating ideas, doing community outreach will help us help ourselves and instill confidence in our people. Our goal is food sufficiency. We should be producing our own food.”

Abdullah said he hopes these seminars will be conducted in the future “soon and often.”

Secretary of the Army Visits JSOTF-P and WESMINCOM

By MC1 Cassandra Thompson, JSOTF-P Public Affairs Office 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (June 7, 2011) - The Honorable John McHugh, U.S. Secretary of the Army, visited Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) June 7, to discuss strategic Philippine/US partnerships, and the importance of the “3Ds approach” – diplomacy, development, and defense –to combating terrorism, and promoting peace and stability, in southern Mindanao.

McHugh began his two-day trip to the Philippines in Manila, where he met with Philippine Undersecretary of Defense Affairs Honorio Azcueta. In Zamboanga, he spoke with AFP senior officials including Maj. Gen. Renato Sanchez, Commander, AFP 3rd Air Division, and Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, WESMINCOM Commander.  He commended the AFP’s internal peace and security plan “Bayanihan,” and assured the Philippine defense forces of the U.S. Army’s continued support.

“We in the United States Army are honored to help support this very important effort to combat terrorism and to make this region even safer and a better place for all the great people who live here and call this wonderful part of the world home,” said McHugh. “This partnership in combating terrorism is as critical to the U.S. as it is to the Filipino people.  We fully intend to work with, partner and support this effort as we try to bring a stronger sense of security and stability here in Mindanao.”

Ferrer, who assumed command of WESMINCOM in Nov. 2010, highlighted the successes the combined effort between JSOTF-P and Philippine security forces has brought just in the last six months since the new internal peace and security plan was implemented.

“So far during my stay here, we have improved our coordination and partnership,” said Ferrer. “We have jointly developed strategies to address terrorism in this part of the world.”

The 3D strategy includes opportunities to synchronize security and development efforts to achieve transformative change, as expounded on by Gloria Steele, mission director for the U.S. Agency for International Development in the Philippines, who was also on hand to brief McHugh.

JSOTF-P is made up of approximately 600 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Department of Defense civilians and contractors.  At the invitation of the Government and Armed Forces of the Philippines, they are  temporarily deployed to the Philippines in a strictly non-combat role to support and share information with  the AFP to fight terrorism, develop the capacity of local citizens, and demonstrate good governance through humanitarian projects in southern Mindanao.

McHugh’s time with JSOTF-P staff was divided between Camp Navarro in Zamboanga, where he had lunch with a group of soldiers, and visits to AFP outstations on the island of Jolo that allowed him a comprehensive look at AFP operations that are supported by JSOTF-P.

“I was proud and honored that the Secretary of the Army chose to visit us in the Philippines,” said Staff Sgt. James Crabb, who interacted with McHugh during lunch.  “He gave me a coin, and thanked me for my service. It was a memorable deployment experience.”

McHugh also addressed a gathering of JSOTF-P service members in Jolo, acknowledging the sacrifices they make every day for a good cause, and acting as promotion officer during an impromptu ceremony for an Army Special Forces Soldier who had recently been promoted.

US, Philippine soldiers partner with local veterinarians to immunize hundreds of animals

SUMISIP, Philippines (May 26, 2011) Dozens of Armed Forces Philippines (AFP) soldiers partnered with provincial veterinarians and Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines (JSOTF-P) personnel to host a veterinary civic action program (VETCAP) in Sumisip, in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, May 26.

AFP soldiers helped local residents set up a staging area on the grounds of San Vicente Ferrer Church for the hundreds of domestic farm animals and pets assembled for the event.

Philippine Department of Agriculture veterinarians educated the crowds of farmers and AFP soldiers on preventive care and proper immunization techniques, while JSOTF-P Sailors and Marines including a U.S. Army veterinarian provided much of the deworming vaccines, vitamins and antiseptics used during the event.

In the Sumisip area of southern Basilan, professional animal care is virtually non-existent, despite the fact that livestock is a critical part of the local economy. William Jason, a local resident who owns three goats, explained that the nearest veterinarian is in Isabela City, almost 25 km away.

“I am very thankful to the AFP for bringing the vet here,” he said. “We are really behind in the animal industry, especially farmers like me, with only three goats, or one cattle, or one caribou. If one of my goats gets sick, I don’t know how to treat it, or what to give it. I would rather slaughter it and sell it than call the vet.”

The provincial veterinarians also walked through the town, searching for farmers who may not have heard about the event, or not had the opportunity to show up at the church.

“It’s personally fulfilling when you’re able to serve and help your own people,” said Dr. Zurhayda Tawasil-Aguisada, a Basilan provincial veterinarian. “It is our duty and responsibility as provincial veterinarians to show our farmers how to treat their animals themselves, and teach them steps they can take to have healthier, more productive livestock and pets, free from internal and external parasites, because we need the meat from these animals for local consumption.”

VETCAPS are also a significant opening for AFP soldiers, who are able to show rural residents a more comprehensive view of how the military can serve the Filipino people, and their willingness to help the barangay safeguard local incomes.

 “This is very important to the AFP because it allows them to interact with the LGUs (local government units) in these communities that are under-served, conduct community service projects, talk to the people and find out what their concerns are,” explained the U.S. Army veterinarian.

“I am very proud and happy that the AFP brought the vets to our community,” said Alonto Bahitla, whose carabou experienced veterinary care for the first time during the event. “We can see the other face of the AFP now, that a soldier is not just for combat.”

The AFP soldiers led by 1LT Glendon Hubag, and JSOTF-P personnel, hope to eventually have a regular, six-week rotation of VETCAPs throughout the Mindanao province, in an effort to show residents that AFP and US forces are concerned about their health, welfare and livelihood, and degrade the influence of lawless groups. 

JSOTF-P Commander speaks about honoring Philippine and US comrades

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (May 28, 2011) Capt. Robert Gusentine, Commander of Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines (JSOTF-P), presides over a Memorial Day Ceremony held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Memorial on Camp Navarro. More than 100 Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors attended the event. Since 2002, more than 560 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) service members and 17 JSOTF-P members have given their lives in the fight against terrorism in the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (May 28, 2011) Armed Forces of the Philippines Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, commander of Western Mindanao Command, and Capt. Robert Gusentine, Commander officer of Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P), salute after laying a wreath in honor of the fallen during a Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by JSOTF-P on Camp Navarro. Since 2002, more than 560 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) service members and 17 JSOTF-P members have given their lives in the fight against terrorism in the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (May 28, 2011) Armed Forces of the Philippines Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, commander of Western Mindanao Command, salutes after laying a wreath in honor of the fallen during a Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) on Camp Navarro. Since 2002, more than 560 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) service members and 17 JSOTF-P members have given their lives in the fight against terrorism in the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (May 28, 2011) Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines (JSOTF-P) service members remember fallen comrades during a Memorial Day Ceremony held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Memorial on Camp Navarro. More than 100 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen attended the event.  Since 2002, more than 560 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) service members and 17 JSOTF-P members have given their lives in the fight against terrorism in the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (May 28, 2011) Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines (JSOTF-P) service members salute as the names of fallen JSOTF-P members are read aloud in a Memorial Day Ceremony held on Camp Navarro. More than 100 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen attended the event. Since 2002, , more than 560 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) service members and 17 JSOTF-P members have given their lives in the fight against terrorism in the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (May 28, 2011) A Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines (JSOTF-P) service member pays homage to fallen comrades at a Memorial Day Ceremony held at Armed Forces of the Philippines, Camp Navarro. More than 100 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen attended the event. Since 2002, , more than 560 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) service members and 17 JSOTF-P members have given their lives in the fight against terrorism in the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (May 28, 2011) Filipino children examine a tribute to fallen comrades at a Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philipines Memorial Day ceremony held on Camp Navarro. More than 100 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen attended the event. Since 2002, , more than 560 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) service members and 17 JSOTF-P members gave their lives in the fight against terrorism in the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)