tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27190030370701456112024-03-14T16:12:37.415+08:00Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines (JSOTF-P)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-19512740793486944092012-02-24T11:37:00.000+08:002012-02-24T11:37:16.299+08:00U.S. Special Forces, Philippine Service members honor the fallen during "Wild 42" Memorial Observance<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Cambria;"><i>By U.S. Air Force Maj. Darrick B. Lee</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font: 12.0px Cambria;"><i>Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines</i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">ZAMBOANGA CITY‐ Members of Joint Special Operations Task Force ‐Philippines held a ceremony Feb 22, 2012 observing the 10th anniversary of an aircraft accident that claimed the lives of JSOTF‐P service members serving in support of Operation </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines joined U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen at Camp Navarro in paying respects to Special Operations Aviators and Air Commandos who perished when their US MH‐47E Chinook helicopter, call sign "Wild 42," went down in the Bohol Sea while returning from a mission in Basilan in 2002. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zamboanga City, Philippines -- A wreath sits at the base of a memorial statue during a ceremony commemorating the crash of "Wild 42." Ten members of JSOTF-P died when their U.S. MH-47E Chinook helicopter went down in the Bohol Sea while returning from a mission in Basilan in 2002. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Darrick B. Lee/Released)</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“Ten years ago today Operation Enduring Freedom‐Philippines was well underway, when tragedy struck our nation again,” said U.S. Army Chaplain (Captain) Johnnie lder, while leading a prayer. “Ten American warriors died, bringing the world‐wide war on terror casualty count to 32 that day. Let us bow our heads.” </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">An intense, multi‐day search and rescue operation followed. First responders recovered remains of eight of the ten service members a few miles off the southern coast of the Negros Islands. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">During the ceremony, U.S. Army Col. Fran Beaudette, commander of JSOTF‐P, and the JSOTF‐P Senior Enlisted Advisor, Command Sergeant Major Frank Gilliand, laid a wreath at the base of a memorial plaque. A bell rang as each of the names of the fallen was recited. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zamboanga City, Philippines -- U.S. Army Col. Fran Beaudette (foreground,) Commander of Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines, and Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Gilliand lay a wreath at the base of a memorial statue during a ceremony commemorating the crash of "Wild 42." Ten members of JSOTF-P died when their U.S. MH-47E Chinook helicopter went down in the Bohol Sea while returning from a mission in Basilan in 2002. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Darrick B. Lee/Released)</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lost were: U.S. Army Maj. Curtis D. Feistner; Army Capt. Bartt D. Owens; Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jody L. Egnor; Army Staff Sgt. James P. Dorrity; Army Staff Sgt. Kerry W. Frith; Army Staff Sgt. Bruce A. Rushforth Jr.; Army Sgt. Jeremy D. Foshee; Spec. Thomas F. Allison; Air Force Master Sgt. William L. McDaniel II and Air Force Staff Sgt. Juan M. Ridout. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“Ten years ago, the lives of ten families changed forever,” said Col. Beaudette as he addressed the crowd, which included a joint formation of U.S. and Philippine forces. “Take time to think about these ten names and those hundreds of thousands of Americans and Filipinos before them who led them home and accomplished their missions, as we’ll accomplish ours.” </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines was established to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines in their fight against trans‐national terrorism. Since its inception, 17 U.S. service members have died while advising and assisting Philippine forces with efforts to secure peace and stability in the Mindanao Region. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zamboanga City, Philippines -- A wall inside the headquarters of Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines displays biographies of 17 U.S. service members who have died in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Included in this group are ten members of JSOTF-P who died when their U.S. MH-47E Chinook helicopter went down in the Bohol Sea while returning from a mission in Basilan in 2002. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Darrick B. Lee/Released)</td></tr>
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<br /></div>JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-35265401324842294162011-12-13T11:21:00.001+08:002012-01-30T10:20:43.033+08:00Hickam Airman Supports Special Forces in Philippines<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Captain Darrick B. Lee, Joint Special
Operations Task Force Philippines, Public Affairs</span></i></div>
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ZAMBOANGA, Philippines -- As U.S. Forces continue their
drawdown from Iraq, the military is continuing to support counter-terrorism
efforts elsewhere around the globe. While Afghanistan remains the more
widely-known theater of operations, there are other places where Airmen serve. </div>
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One such place is Zamboanga, located in the southern Philippines.
Although the United States history in the Philippines dates back to more than a
century, the emergence of terrorist groups in the southern part of the country
placed renewed emphasis on the region since 2001. A lot has changed since
General John “Blackjack” Pershing served as governor-general here at the turn
of the century. Still, the U.S. military presence, while temporary, is a
fixture in Zamboanga.</div>
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Nestled in Camp Navarro, home of the Philippine military’s
Western Mindanao Command, is U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force -
Philippines. JSOTF-P is comprised of special operations forces from all four
services, including U.S. Army Green Berets, Navy S.E.A.L.s, Marine Special
Operations Forces and Air Force Commandos. Supported by a small staff, JSOTF-P’s mission is focused on
providing advice to the Philippine military and assisting them in their fight
against terrorism. They are currently focused on pursuing the Abu Sayyaff Group
(ASG) and Jemiah Islamiah (JI), two terrorist groups operating in the islands
of Mindanao, Basilan and Sulu.</div>
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This is not an easy task in a country comprised of more than
7000 islands. Absent here are Hummers and mine-resistant ambush-protected
vehicles, as military airlift takes center stage. To ensure SOF are able to move
freely in the area, JSOTF-P maintains a small fleet of PC-12 and C-12 fixed-wing
aircraft, complemented by Bell 214 helicopters for use in the jungle areas
where U.S. and Philippine forces are collocated.</div>
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JSOTF-P relies on their Joint Special Operations Air
Detachment (JSOAD) to fly and maintain the aircraft. JSOAD operates much like
Airmen do at any other flight line, scheduling flights and ensuring the safety of
air operations that support Special Forces. The unit shares the airfield with Zamboanga
International Airport, which doubles as Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB), owned by
the Philippine Air Force (PAF). </div>
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U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Carrie Volpe, a weather
forecaster deployed with Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines,
remotely monitors the status of a TMQ-53 weather sensor 30 Nov. Through her
computer, Volpe can provide real-time weather forecasting in support of special
operations in the southern Philippines. <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">(U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Matthew P. Troyer/released)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sharing a runway means sharing the responsibility for flight
safety. U.S. Airmen are embedded with the PAF, living and working near the flight
line. Shouldering the responsibility for U.S. weather reporting and forecasting
is Technical Sergeant Carrie Volpe, JSOAD’s weather forecaster. </div>
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TSgt. Volpe’s home station is Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam,
HI, where she serves as a forecast supervisor for 20 U.S. military bases in Korea
and Japan. There, Volpe performed the same job she performs in JSOAD; she
provides detailed weather reports to help mission planners conduct safe flying and
ground operations. </div>
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In Hawaii, equipped with the latest meteorological tools at
the 17th Operational Weather Squadron, her biggest hurdle was simply keeping up
with the workload. With multiple airfield forecasts and weather warnings across
a 113 million square-mile area of responsibility, the need for up-to-date
weather reporting is constant.</div>
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When Volpe arrived at Zamboanga in September, she found a
similar need. However, as guests of a host-nation airport, with limited
meteorological equipment and a separate operating schedule, providing timely
and accurate weather forecasts became a challenge. </div>
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“We used to receive periodic weather observations from
EAAB,” said Volpe, who is originally from Epsom, NH. “But sometimes, when EAAB reports weren’t available, or
their schedule didn’t synchronize up with our operations, we had to give pilots
the weather based on our best estimate.” </div>
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That’s what she used to do. </div>
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When an Air Force Special Operations Command Safety Team
paid a visit to the JSOTF-P in October, Volpe saw it as a chance to let the
brass know how to improve air operations in the southern Philippines. She
recommended the purchase of a weather sensor, capable of providing electronic
forecasts and sharing it with aviators world-wide. Not only would the sensor
help the U.S. forces operating out of Zamboanga, but it could assist the
Philippine Air Force and all aviators who need to know about local weather. </div>
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AFSOC liked the idea. However, the Air Force has an almost
never-ending list of good ideas … Many of them remain unfunded. With the cost
of an average weather sensor running more than $150,000, the current financial picture
cast a shadow over the prospect of adding one to Volpe’s office.</div>
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Volpe’s boss, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Doug Carroll, in
response to AFSOC’s safety assessment, searched for solutions. Carroll serves
as the JSOAD Commander, but at his home station, he leads the 353 Special
Operations Support Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan.</div>
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“I knew the 353 SOSS had the equipment and capability,” said
Carroll. “With approval from Special Operations Command Pacific, the 353rd was
able to rapidly deploy the sensor to the Philippines.”</div>
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Shortly after Carroll’s call, a brand new TMQ-53 Automated Observation
System (TMOS) weather sensor arrived, escorted by MSgt. Scott Williams, the 353rd
weather flight’s NCO in charge. Shortly after he landed, the sensor was
installed and working.</div>
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To Volpe, whose primary concern is providing the most
accurate forecasts to pilots about to fly into austere conditions, it was the
perfect gift, just in time for the holidays.</div>
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“The TMOS gives us a credible source of weather information,”
explained Sgt. Volpe when describing the sensor. “We can generate our own
weather observations, and we can do it independently.”</div>
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A recently-installed TMQ-53 sensor collects weather data
from the top of a building at Edwin Andrews Air Base, Philippines. U.S. Air
Force Airmen support flight operations in the southern Philippines by sharing
the runway in Zamboanga, and providing weather forecasts in support of U.S.
Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines. <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew P. Troyer/released)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The TMOS collects data on current wind conditions, cloud heights,
lightning, temperature, precipitation and more. In a joint special operations
environment, where weather can have a severe impact on success, Volpe is pleased
to have a little help.</div>
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The Philippine Air Force will be able to use the new sensor
as they pursue the ASG and JI. Whether it’s a combat resupply mission, a
request for close-air support, or a casualty evacuation, their operations will
benefit from having the real-time forecasting Volpe provides.</div>
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“It feels good to know that I can confidently tell pilots
and aircrew what to expect prior to take-off,” Volpe added. “I hope it helps
build their trust in our support to them.”</div>
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U.S. Government employees with a CAC-enabled computer can
view current weather conditions in Zamboanga by surfing to <a href="https://afweather.afwa.af.mil/weather/met/met_home.html">https://afweather.afwa.af.mil/weather/met/met_home.html</a>
.</div>JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-17768964378839764242011-10-06T15:37:00.004+08:002011-10-06T16:08:45.546+08:00Filipino, U.S. troops upgrade local library<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">By U.S. Air Force Capt. Darrick B. Lee</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Public Affairs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;">ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (Sept. 27, 2011) – </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">Members of the Philippine Air Force gave a boost to
the Edwin Andrews Air Base Elementary School reading program Sept. 27 with
the installation of new bookshelves and the arrival of books donated from U.S.
forces.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;">The Philippine Air Force’s 530th Air Base Wing
worked with members of U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines
(JSOTF-P) to fill the school’s library with new books.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">A sample of books donated
from around the world rest on shelves built by the Philippine Air Force’s 530th
Air Base Wing at Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga. Engineers from the wing’s
Civil-Military Operations Squadron built the bookcases for the students, with
help from U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to JSOTF-P. (Official U.S. Air Force photo
by Capt. Darrick B. Lee.)</span> U.S. Air Force Capt. Kirsten Gipper, a member of
the JSOTF-P, was one of the organizers of the book collection.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;">“We’ve done civil-military operations with the AFP
(Armed Forces of the Philippines) before, but it’s usually in someplace more
remote,” said Gipper, who works at the elementary school (EAAB) with the
Philippine forces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;">“We figured since we live at EAAB, we should try to
find a way to do something for the kids here,” she added. “We talked to the PAF
and they told us about the school’s needs. Then we began collecting book
donations.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PP2236onWt4/To1Zu8xgfnI/AAAAAAAABzo/p9i4Ga_V6CY/s1600/image002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PP2236onWt4/To1Zu8xgfnI/AAAAAAAABzo/p9i4Ga_V6CY/s320/image002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">U.S. Air Force Master Sgt.
Kathleen Garcia, a medical logistician with Joint Special Operations Task Force
Philippines, reads to students of Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga Sept. 27.
Members of JSOTF-P helped the Philippine Air Force upgrade the school’s library
by providing lumber for new bookcases and filling them with an international
donation of new books. (Official U.S. Air Force Photo by Captain Darrick B.
Lee)</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;">Gipper and a friend, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Erica
Anders, a flight nurse with JSOTF-P, created a personal Facebook page to
solicit donations. Shortly afterward, books began flowing in from all over the
world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;">Some of the books came from as far away as the
United States; others came from places in the Pacific, such as Japan.
According to Gipper, many people ordered them online and had them shipped to
the volunteers directly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;">A variety of titles arrived, ranging from picture
books for kindergartners to more advanced storybooks for intermediate readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3C1wqMEhO0o/To1adhybDxI/AAAAAAAABzs/YDXq6PB1eoI/s1600/image003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3C1wqMEhO0o/To1adhybDxI/AAAAAAAABzs/YDXq6PB1eoI/s320/image003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">U.S. Air Force Capt. Kirsten Gipper, a member of
the Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines Liaison Control Element,
reads to students of Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga Sept. 27. Gipper is
one of several volunteers who helped the Philippine Air Force upgrade the
school’s library by collecting and donating books for children. (Official U.S.
Air Force Photo by Captain Darrick B. Lee)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;">As the book collection grew, the school realized it
needed more space to display them. Engineers from the 530th</span><sup><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></sup><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;">Air Base
Wing’s civil-military operations squadron at EAAB built new bookcases for the
library. U.S. Navy Seabees donated lumber to help the engineers make the
bookshelves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;">The volunteers joined Mrs. Victoria Mangeser, the
school’s principal, in an informal ceremony to present the new books to the
students. Mangeser then invited Anders and other volunteers to read to some of
the children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;">When the children were asked to choose which book
should be read, the majority of the students yelled “Dora” after seeing a
storybook bearing a picture of the popular television character. According to
the school, many local libraries need books that promote leisure reading,
instead of traditional schoolbooks. With more than 500 students at the school,
the donations were well-received.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b9m3RqO_h4s/To1ZWq8nMII/AAAAAAAABzk/FMsXZJMdn8g/s1600/image004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b9m3RqO_h4s/To1ZWq8nMII/AAAAAAAABzk/FMsXZJMdn8g/s320/image004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">U.S. Army 1st Lt. Erica Anders, a flight nurse with
Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines, reads to students of Edwin
Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga Sept. 27. Members of JSOTF-P helped the Philippine
Air Force upgrade the school’s library by providing lumber for new bookcases
and filling them with an international donation of new books. (Official U.S.
Air Force Photo by Captain Darrick B. Lee)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;">“We are so blessed to receive these books and
new shelves,” said Principal Mangeser. “Usually, the private school libraries
are regarded as the best. But, these books are unique because they are not just
reference titles. They are books that make reading fun … So, now the EAAB
library is the best in Zamboanga!”</span></span></div>
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JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-6831003523278709942011-09-14T09:52:00.004+08:002011-09-14T09:52:23.787+08:00<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/jsotfp.pao/JSOTFPPhotos#5652024689302454850"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jn8PAbFL758/TnAGglucQkI/AAAAAAAABzE/GG8BdS4Nupo/s640/110911-N-DP001-554.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;">U.S. Special Forces,
Philippine Service members honor the fallen during 9/11 observance</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyDlddhDwDY/TnAGhOs9CsI/AAAAAAAABzI/W51E6zNJFlY/s1600/110911-N-DP001-567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyDlddhDwDY/TnAGhOs9CsI/AAAAAAAABzI/W51E6zNJFlY/s320/110911-N-DP001-567.jpg" width="320" /></a>ZAMBOANGA CITY- Members of
Joint Special Operations Task Force -Philippines held a ceremony Sunday,
observing the 10th anniversary of the events of 11 September 2001. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Members of the Philippine
Security Forces joined U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen in recalling
the events that were instrumental in the creation of Operation Enduring
Freedom. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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“Ten years ago, our nation
and the Western democratic way of life was attacked, blood was shed, nations
mobilized, battle lines drawn and our lives were changed forever,” said U.S.
Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Shane McKenzie during the opening of the
ceremony.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Master Chief McKenzie and
the JSOTF-P Chaplain, U.S. Army Maj. David Lile, recalled the events as they
occurred 10 years ago today.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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“ Eight forty-six and
twenty-six seconds: Flight 11 crashes at roughly 466 miles per hour into the
north face of One World Trade Center, between floors 93 and 99,” read Chaplain
Lile.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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After the recollection of
events, JSOTF-P members shared personal testimonies.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/jsotfp.pao/JSOTFPPhotos#5652024670574128930" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8xSRthyrRRI/TnAGff9QryI/AAAAAAAABzA/kXp8C39dPiY/s400/110911-N-DP001-594.jpg" width="288" /></a>“Ten years ago, I was in
high school and we were watching the events unfold on TV,” recalled one U.S.
service member. “My Aunt was in the World Trade Center, that day … She was
taken away.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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People from many nations
lost their lives that day. JSOTF-P leaders said the ceremony not only honors
the fallen, but is a reminder to those who currently serve.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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“September 11<sup>th</sup>
was the worst of days, and we remember those fallen on that day, those who
served on that day and every day since then,” said U.S. Army Colonel Fran
Beaudette, JSOTF-P Commander. “Today is the best of days. We get to do what we
do … To continue our nation’s bidding, and continue to help our partners who
are focused on the cause of freedom.”<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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U.S. Joint Special
Operations Task Force – Philippines was established in 2002 to support the
Armed Forces of the Philippines in their fight against trans-national terrorism
in the southern Philippines. </div>
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JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-69449470304618379062011-08-22T17:53:00.001+08:002011-08-22T18:14:54.701+08:00AFP Awards Civic Action Medal to JSOTF-P Servicemembers<div style="text-align: justify;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) honored 15 servicemembers from the U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) with the Philippine Military Civic Action Medal (CAM) at an awards ceremony held at Camp Navarro, Zamboanga City, Aug. 19.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsKrstwmprM/TlIYrr082sI/AAAAAAAAByM/WBTgMpDWEF0/s1600/image001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsKrstwmprM/TlIYrr082sI/AAAAAAAAByM/WBTgMpDWEF0/s200/image001.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The award highlights the combined training and humanitarian projects conducted by JSOTF-P members through partnership with the AFP. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">According to the citation, these projects improve the lives of countless Filipinos, helping to reduce support for lawless groups and their safe havens in the southern Philippines. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Col. Casiano C. Monilla Jr., Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Chief of Unified Command Staff, presented JSOTF-P’s servicemembers with the award for their contributions made to the Republic of the Philippines.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> “We really appreciate the presence of the U.S. forces here and the assistance you have given us,” Monilla said.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbtjdsoOXNY/TlIZMLJ0ogI/AAAAAAAAByQ/P-5SGR6o2Hc/s1600/image002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbtjdsoOXNY/TlIZMLJ0ogI/AAAAAAAAByQ/P-5SGR6o2Hc/s200/image002.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Since January 2011, JSOTF-P has participated in various humanitarian and civil assistance programs, making</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> four visits to the Talon-Talon Orphanage and three to the Women's and Children's shelter. Members have also raised over $1,400 USD for outreach programs and have donated over 1,000 pounds of clothing. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">WESTMINCOM recognized them as having earned honor not only for themselves, but for the AFP as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The awardees were also recognized for their dedication and hard work for assisting, training and advising units under WESTMINCOM that ultimately improved the capabilities of Filipino Soldiers and increased their chances of survival in combat. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to be recognized by a foreign counterpart for your contributions to their country,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Shyla Consalo, the JSOTF-P paralegal. “I feel so blessed that I’ve had the opportunity to help some local families here. Every time I look at this medal it will remind me of those families and the opportunity I had to make a difference in their lives.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div>JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-78711324651887985432011-08-12T14:14:00.000+08:002011-08-12T14:14:56.344+08:00Basilan’s leaders host a Civic Action Program in Tairan<div class="MsoBodyText" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">LANTAWAN, Philippines (July 28, 2011) – Approximately 1,200 residents of Tairan barangay, Lantawan province, Basilan, gathered July 28 for a combined medical, dental, and veterinary civic action program. The event was coordinated by Basilan’s provincial government, and was the first community outreach program of its kind, completely driven by key governmental organizations.</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fhm4tiEhETU/TkTDVo6QuUI/AAAAAAAABxQ/nnVJqgkzsOM/s1600/110727-N-PD773-090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133px" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fhm4tiEhETU/TkTDVo6QuUI/AAAAAAAABxQ/nnVJqgkzsOM/s200/110727-N-PD773-090.jpg" width="200px" /></a><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Numerous members represented the provincial offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Education, and Department of Agriculture; Philippine Medical Association, Philippine Dental Association, Philippine Business for Social Progress and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. By the end of the day, they had donated 300 meals to children through the feeding program, provided medical care to 300 patients, performed 117 dental extractions and vaccinated 113 livestock.</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ9rutRnnzQ/TkTDdUC-fHI/AAAAAAAABxU/JSkKvjmdHmA/s1600/110728-N-DP001-475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ9rutRnnzQ/TkTDdUC-fHI/AAAAAAAABxU/JSkKvjmdHmA/s200/110728-N-DP001-475.jpg" width="135px" /></a><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Special Operations Task Force Commander Col. Alexander Macario who attended the event as an observer, briefly helped the task force hand out comic books to children, and interacted with barangay leaders in the area.</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">The barangay also works as a cooperative to improve quality of life in the community, using proceeds from the barangay-owned rubber plantation to improve roads, schools, and homes. </span></div>JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-84158052720648495742011-07-19T09:27:00.001+08:002011-07-19T09:44:09.803+08:00Commanding General, III MEF and Commander, Marine Corps Bases Japan Visits JSOTF-P<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hj_W_2YB3jo/TiTdKJPXG6I/AAAAAAAABsk/nZplIvLKIC4/s1600/110713-N-DP001-074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hj_W_2YB3jo/TiTdKJPXG6I/AAAAAAAABsk/nZplIvLKIC4/s320/110713-N-DP001-074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">ZAMBOANGA, Republic of the Philippines (July, 14, 2011) – U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Kenneth Glueck, Jr., Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Commander Marine Corps Bases Japan and Philippine Marine Brig. Gen. Celestino Pereyra, Western Mindanao Command Deputy for Peace Process, are met with honors upon arrival at Western Mindanao Command. During his visit to the Philippines, General Glueck met with members of the U.S. Embassy, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. Marines deployed to Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 Ted Green.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal">ZAMBOANGA, Republic of the Philippines (July, 14, 2011) – U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Kenneth Glueck, Jr., Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Commander, Marine Corps Bases Japan meets with Marines assigned to Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines at Camp Navarro. During his visit to the Philippines, Glueck met with members of the U.S. Embassy, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. Marines deployed to Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 Ted Green.)<o:p></o:p></div><!--EndFragment--> </span>JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-79065660601901338082011-07-19T09:17:00.001+08:002011-07-19T10:20:49.607+08:00JSOTF-P Service Members Participate in US Embassy’s “America in 3D” Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkUYp8_yhRc/TiTY4oHcCgI/AAAAAAAABsM/Np-Ms8nhAGI/s1600/110710-N-RV596-194lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkUYp8_yhRc/TiTY4oHcCgI/AAAAAAAABsM/Np-Ms8nhAGI/s320/110710-N-RV596-194lr.jpg" width="320" /></a>BAGUIO, Philippines (July 10, 2011) A service member from the Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines, speaks with a local resident during “America in 3D” at SM City Baguio from July 8-10. “America in 3D” is a US Embassy road show that features diplomacy, development, and defense and highlights American culture, values, and society. The three-day event included a full lineup of musical performances, free samplings of American food, cooking demonstrations, and information about U.S. visas and applying to study in the United States. The public also had the opportunity to meet and talk with representatives of various Embassy sections and U.S. agencies, including members of JSOTF-P. <span class="apple-style-span">JSOTF-P is temporarily deployed in southern Philippines at the request of the Philippine government.</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span>(Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC1 Ryan Valverde)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KS0jRx0PtQY/TiTY8HQvfyI/AAAAAAAABsU/TdevWmuka5o/s1600/110708-N-RV596-178lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KS0jRx0PtQY/TiTY8HQvfyI/AAAAAAAABsU/TdevWmuka5o/s320/110708-N-RV596-178lr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>BAGUIO, Philippines (July 8, 2011) A local university journalism student films another student interviewing a member of Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines during “America in 3D” at SM City Baguio from July 8-10. “America in 3D” is a US Embassy road show that features diplomacy, development, and defense and highlights American culture, values, and society. The three-day event included a full lineup of musical performances, free samplings of American food, cooking demonstrations, and information about U.S. visas and applying to study in the United States. The public also had the opportunity to meet and talk with representatives of various Embassy sections and U.S. agencies, including members of JSOTF-P. <span class="apple-style-span">JSOTF-P is temporarily deployed in southern Philippines at the request of the Philippine government.</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span>(Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC1 Ryan Valverde)<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJpaYHF5Xuo/TiTY9uoikhI/AAAAAAAABsY/iMs2zmEa-aU/s1600/110710-N-RV596-195lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJpaYHF5Xuo/TiTY9uoikhI/AAAAAAAABsY/iMs2zmEa-aU/s320/110710-N-RV596-195lr.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">BAGUIO, Philippines (July 10, 2011) Cadets from the Philippine Military Academy read over a Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines information display during “America in 3D” at SM City Baguio from July 8-10. “America in 3D” is a US Embassy road show that features diplomacy, development, and defense and highlights American culture, values, and society. The three-day event included a full lineup of musical performances, free samplings of American food, cooking demonstrations, and information about U.S. visas and applying to study in the United States. The public also had the opportunity to meet and talk with representatives of various Embassy sections and U.S. agencies, including members of JSOTF-P. <span class="apple-style-span">JSOTF-P is temporarily deployed in southern Philippines at the request of the Philippine government.</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span>(Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC1 Ryan Valverde.)</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6PvuV_VLJQu6kqyHHQ3emczk5GPeTLj9yhGD230EWiO-p-iwkWrFHyS_KXe-0mI6iSqSKOmBpyo_uGRik-DZHMmZBU1w5hmxhtIt-tDYA50LR80n2Sasv-w9BX1HOMXgtp1MKHCljYU/s1600/110710-N-RV596-183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6PvuV_VLJQu6kqyHHQ3emczk5GPeTLj9yhGD230EWiO-p-iwkWrFHyS_KXe-0mI6iSqSKOmBpyo_uGRik-DZHMmZBU1w5hmxhtIt-tDYA50LR80n2Sasv-w9BX1HOMXgtp1MKHCljYU/s320/110710-N-RV596-183.JPG" width="228" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">BAGUIO, Philippines (July 10, 2011) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">U.S. Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. speaks at the World War II Veterans Ceremony </span>during “America in 3D” at SM City Baguio from July 8-10. “America in 3D” is a US Embassy road show that features diplomacy, development, and defense and highlights American culture, values, and society. The three-day event included a full lineup of musical performances, free samplings of American food, cooking demonstrations, and information about U.S. visas and applying to study in the United States. The public also had the opportunity to meet and talk with representatives of various Embassy sections and U.S. agencies, including members of JSOTF-P. <span class="apple-style-span">JSOTF-P is temporarily deployed in southern Philippines at the request of the Philippine government.</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span>(Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC1 Ryan Valverde)</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLXGcm8L7IE/TiTY6vHKkxI/AAAAAAAABsQ/p_0WKZccQ2M/s1600/110710-N-RV596-185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLXGcm8L7IE/TiTY6vHKkxI/AAAAAAAABsQ/p_0WKZccQ2M/s320/110710-N-RV596-185.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">BAGUIO, Philippines (July 10, 2011) </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Philippine World War II Veterans attend a World War II Veterans Ceremony </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">during “America in 3D” at SM City Baguio from July 8-10. “America in 3D” is a US Embassy road show that features diplomacy, development, and defense and highlights American culture, values, and society. The three-day event included a full lineup of musical performances, free samplings of American food, cooking demonstrations, and information about U.S. visas and applying to study in the United States. The public also had the opportunity to meet and talk with representatives of various Embassy sections and U.S. agencies, including members of JSOTF-P. <span class="apple-style-span">JSOTF-P is temporarily deployed in southern Philippines at the request of the Philippine government.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">(Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC1 Ryan Valverde)</span> </div>JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-55680702304793206812011-07-01T15:12:00.000+08:002011-09-20T17:20:25.426+08:00Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines Fact Sheet<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Mission</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Joint
Special Operations Task Force-Philippines mission is to support the
comprehensive approach of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in their fight
against terrorism and lawless elements in the southern Philippines <span style="color: black;">and preventing
terrorists from establishing safe havens. A</span>t the request of the Philippine
government, JSOTF-P works alongside the AFP in a strictly non-combat role to
defeat terrorists, eliminate safe havens and create the conditions necessary for
peace, stability and prosperity in the southern Philippines<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>People</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">JSOTF-P is comprised of between
500 and 600 personnel from all four military services, including Army Special Operations
Forces, Navy Seals, Air Force special operators and a host of support personnel
from all four U.S. military services. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Organization</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">JSOTF-P
is comprised of a headquarters element, located at Camp Navarro in Zamboanga
City and three subordinate regional task forces which operate throughout Mindanao
alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbtjdsoOXNY/TlIZMLJ0ogI/AAAAAAAAByQ/P-5SGR6o2Hc/s1600/image002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbtjdsoOXNY/TlIZMLJ0ogI/AAAAAAAAByQ/P-5SGR6o2Hc/s320/image002.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Task
Force Archipelago: Based at Camp Navarro, Zamboanga del Sur Province<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Task
Force Mindanao: Based at Camp Siongco, Maguindanao Province<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Task
Force Sulu: Based at Camp Bautista, Jolo Island, Sulu Province <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A
handful of JSOTF-P personnel also work in Manila to coordinate activities with
the US Embassy Country Team and AFP General Headquarters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Operations</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
members of JSOTF-P operate “by, through and with” their Philippine Armed Forces
counterparts in a strictly non-combat role to: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TiMrOPghDYU/SmRs13MfiAI/AAAAAAAAAxg/l0tKd3RWjyI/s1600/090113-N-7130B-325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TiMrOPghDYU/SmRs13MfiAI/AAAAAAAAAxg/l0tKd3RWjyI/s200/090113-N-7130B-325.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bring humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected communities <o:p></o:p></span></li>
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programs to deliver care where the need is great<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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provide farmers livelihood assistance<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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provide local communities infrastructure improvements such as schools,
water wells, roads, piers and medical centers<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The U.S. shares intelligence data and
other information to assist the AFP in planning future operations <o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Build AFP capacity through subject matter expert exchange programs (SMEEs)
to exchange lessons learned on subjects such as:<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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Planning<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Facts</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Between
October 2007 and June 2011, JSOTF-P committed more than $24 million to 220
humanitarian assistance projects to improve the quality of life for communities
in need in Mindanao.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0kCx9WGsVsM/SmRri2rqzPI/AAAAAAAAAxg/4AZhs6FAMQw/s1600/080224-A-5052N-77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0kCx9WGsVsM/SmRri2rqzPI/AAAAAAAAAxg/4AZhs6FAMQw/s320/080224-A-5052N-77.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
AFP and JSOTF-P, during more than 500 joint civic action projects, delivered
free medical and dental care</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> to more than 104,600 patients</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
from local communities from October 2007 to June 201</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span>Quite
a few families also benefited as their farm animals received assistance during more
than 228 AFP-US veterinarian projects. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span>The
AFP-US partnership completed more than 140 infrastructure projects – new
schools, roads, piers, water wells, and medical centers benefiting the people
of the southern Philippines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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http://jsotf-p.blogspot.com/2009/04/jsotf-p-fact-sheet.htmlhttp://jsotf-p.blogspot.com/2009/04/jsotf-p-fact-sheet.html</div>
JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-54388558468004133912011-06-30T15:53:00.000+08:002011-06-30T15:53:24.774+08:00US and AFP Forces Welcome New JSOTF-P Commander<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">By Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines Public Affairs Office</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzkY2yus3MZhEeEmz_z-6y3QekzhJNPGbem-L3NpYLVD1z4kyPY6rICtVjG02AlUooab3aKdPvWs3uFXMeWcmRZeSPxJHJP-n4JY9lm4sy5HUaDj_ec5Hiyj8SuPnjRbtOLPp9n_O3XY/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzkY2yus3MZhEeEmz_z-6y3QekzhJNPGbem-L3NpYLVD1z4kyPY6rICtVjG02AlUooab3aKdPvWs3uFXMeWcmRZeSPxJHJP-n4JY9lm4sy5HUaDj_ec5Hiyj8SuPnjRbtOLPp9n_O3XY/s200/1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">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).<br />
<br />
“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.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">During the ceremony Beaudette congratulated Gusentine on the progress he made while commander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beaudette said he is ready to continue the success. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDvqkTaKp2KFWnPVX78mY_nnyK-lkkIGlY7LBAvO3fa49tpO0f31fuD7-EiSfsTNw6AqZmSp2wA7IU79ynFmfDkvI17qxo4J6ixrGyLSzpS1lNtyF0otLB5Y90eQmm0pVY_IpUu9FGH0/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDvqkTaKp2KFWnPVX78mY_nnyK-lkkIGlY7LBAvO3fa49tpO0f31fuD7-EiSfsTNw6AqZmSp2wA7IU79ynFmfDkvI17qxo4J6ixrGyLSzpS1lNtyF0otLB5Y90eQmm0pVY_IpUu9FGH0/s200/2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">"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.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“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.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </div><div class="MsoNormal">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
“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.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVr-Z_ntzt_Jbi5Y_Uoaqho3SVwdXRHzc4IlfCGAbRMmh-bIq1OjBhE1e58XeiDtNq6oSykgDiWORmS3X8bAfwJl4mZidzGfRP_7WHt8UZ5y6M_LVLVyyB_oYq9gw7Lb9HLAUFC1Nf3I/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVr-Z_ntzt_Jbi5Y_Uoaqho3SVwdXRHzc4IlfCGAbRMmh-bIq1OjBhE1e58XeiDtNq6oSykgDiWORmS3X8bAfwJl4mZidzGfRP_7WHt8UZ5y6M_LVLVyyB_oYq9gw7Lb9HLAUFC1Nf3I/s200/3.jpg" width="200" /></a>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. <br />
<br />
"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.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment-->JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-53742433787177437812011-06-30T15:01:00.002+08:002011-06-30T15:01:20.773+08:00Gen. North Visits the Southern Philippines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XeqxqBmZaYk/Tgwd49LVc3I/AAAAAAAABn4/2WXFfZRP7wY/s1600/1st.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XeqxqBmZaYk/Tgwd49LVc3I/AAAAAAAABn4/2WXFfZRP7wY/s320/1st.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">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.)</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jsBvUFx2tCM/Tgwd5jOGwRI/AAAAAAAABn8/5aDI8IZsKYA/s1600/2nd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jsBvUFx2tCM/Tgwd5jOGwRI/AAAAAAAABn8/5aDI8IZsKYA/s320/2nd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XFhdLmgaPKI/Tgwd6HGgnfI/AAAAAAAABoA/fF1IMjRe6Og/s1600/3rd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XFhdLmgaPKI/Tgwd6HGgnfI/AAAAAAAABoA/fF1IMjRe6Og/s320/3rd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">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.)</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-key7xsW2zNs/Tgwd607yBeI/AAAAAAAABoE/tJAzJgsFVxY/s1600/4th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-key7xsW2zNs/Tgwd607yBeI/AAAAAAAABoE/tJAzJgsFVxY/s320/4th.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">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.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9L-ndNyR68s/Tgwd9-XY_MI/AAAAAAAABoM/UVQ0-Wh7KYY/s1600/5th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9L-ndNyR68s/Tgwd9-XY_MI/AAAAAAAABoM/UVQ0-Wh7KYY/s320/5th.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxMW9AwD0tE/Tgwd-rI_JII/AAAAAAAABoQ/G5MJg6c-D38/s1600/6th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxMW9AwD0tE/Tgwd-rI_JII/AAAAAAAABoQ/G5MJg6c-D38/s320/6th.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">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.)</span></div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span>JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-78582537722319228562011-06-30T13:16:00.000+08:002011-06-30T13:16:46.358+08:00U.S., Philippine Navies Join for 17th CARAT Exercise in Palawan<a href="http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=61298#.TgwGgbGvFds.blogger">U.S., Philippine Navies Join for 17th CARAT Exercise in Palawan</a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">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.</span>JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-55746243381818563692011-06-25T14:56:00.002+08:002011-06-25T15:05:12.683+08:00Operation Smile Brings Hope to ARMM Children<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye6iT7FyZwk/TgWHHxBzh8I/AAAAAAAABmM/30w-CybrIzI/s1600/110610-N-PD773-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye6iT7FyZwk/TgWHHxBzh8I/AAAAAAAABmM/30w-CybrIzI/s320/110610-N-PD773-006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">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)</span> </span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoBodyText"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGzIjz_6MSKD7ec-gFabitt8-4dTgksdHyACgqFFgrl9efH19Fnu5n7JWan7FixftgEDir9lkABF-wleZViLoZkGViVR9HhAi1e5M8BC-aVkMXqVk1tUlllglDT7IddqTZAFt4KKfmlU/s1600/110611-N-DP001-121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGzIjz_6MSKD7ec-gFabitt8-4dTgksdHyACgqFFgrl9efH19Fnu5n7JWan7FixftgEDir9lkABF-wleZViLoZkGViVR9HhAi1e5M8BC-aVkMXqVk1tUlllglDT7IddqTZAFt4KKfmlU/s320/110611-N-DP001-121.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">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)</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oVULR09HcVk/TgWHGRTk2iI/AAAAAAAABmE/h6CPAwDCqmU/s1600/110610-N-PD773-055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oVULR09HcVk/TgWHGRTk2iI/AAAAAAAABmE/h6CPAwDCqmU/s320/110610-N-PD773-055.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">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)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xvRFW8-L9K4/TgWHFzKAveI/AAAAAAAABmA/HQY50INToSA/s1600/110610-N-PD773-090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xvRFW8-L9K4/TgWHFzKAveI/AAAAAAAABmA/HQY50INToSA/s320/110610-N-PD773-090.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">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)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CclL50ozrlQ/TgWHDj5PAuI/AAAAAAAABl0/n8OUcLAculs/s1600/110611-N-PD773-142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CclL50ozrlQ/TgWHDj5PAuI/AAAAAAAABl0/n8OUcLAculs/s320/110611-N-PD773-142.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">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)</div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Operation Smile Brings Hope to ARMM Children</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>(Feature Story) </b></div><br />
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.</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText">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.</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText">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.</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText">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.</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText">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.</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText">“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.”</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText">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.</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText">“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.”</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText">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.</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText">“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.</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText">“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.”</div>JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-28153380169736530402011-06-25T14:25:00.005+08:002011-06-27T10:50:37.331+08:00AFP, JSOTF-P and USDA Participate in Sulu Agricultural Seminar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_f7Q2IhhzRs/TgV_389jmBI/AAAAAAAABlY/6JeRksuk140/s1600/110601-N-PD773-001LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_f7Q2IhhzRs/TgV_389jmBI/AAAAAAAABlY/6JeRksuk140/s320/110601-N-PD773-001LR.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">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)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">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)<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">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)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">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)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_U8C0iJ4ceQ/TgWFfZqHRiI/AAAAAAAABls/C-VaYve3J9g/s1600/110601-N-PD773-010LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_U8C0iJ4ceQ/TgWFfZqHRiI/AAAAAAAABls/C-VaYve3J9g/s320/110601-N-PD773-010LR.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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)</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">AFP, JSOTF-P and USDA Participate in Sulu Agricultural Seminar</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(Press Release) </span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">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).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">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).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“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. </span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“These relationships will help Sulu coordinate future seminars and subject matter information exchanges, enhancing the knowledge and capacity of the local farmers of Sulu.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“We appreciate and welcome so many groups coming together sharing their thoughts, resources, and enthusiasm for agriculture,” said Fazlur Abdullah, Sulu ACC director.</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Abdullah said he hopes these seminars will be conducted in the future “soon and often.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-60936571800356089112011-06-11T13:34:00.000+08:002011-06-11T13:34:48.758+08:00Secretary of the Army Visits JSOTF-P and WESMINCOM<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p>By MC1 Cassandra Thompson, JSOTF-P Public Affairs Office </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 200%;">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. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-muYX2VFqLyY/TfL94dbO7nI/AAAAAAAABj4/JyE07scePLQ/s1600/110607-N-RV596-003lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-muYX2VFqLyY/TfL94dbO7nI/AAAAAAAABj4/JyE07scePLQ/s320/110607-N-RV596-003lr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">“</span><span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">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</span><span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">,” said McHugh. “This partnership in combating terrorism is as critical to the U.S. as it is to the Filipino people. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hv3a2eI0gUM/TfDaUk93WcI/AAAAAAAABh0/pQ21dEbOBv8/s1600/110607-N-PD773-064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hv3a2eI0gUM/TfDaUk93WcI/AAAAAAAABh0/pQ21dEbOBv8/s320/110607-N-PD773-064.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The 3D strategy includes opportunities to synchronize security and development efforts to achieve transformative change</span><span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">, 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">JSOTF-P is made up of approximately 600 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Department of Defense civilians and contractors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the invitation of the Government and Armed Forces of the Philippines, they are <span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>temporarily deployed to the Philippines in a strictly non-combat role to support and share information with <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the AFP to fight terrorism, </span>develop the capacity of local citizens, and demonstrate good governance <span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">through humanitarian projects in southern Mindanao.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-52yFvJCE7sU/TfDaPBv2paI/AAAAAAAABhs/9bSs24Um6_E/s1600/110607-N-PD773-080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-52yFvJCE7sU/TfDaPBv2paI/AAAAAAAABhs/9bSs24Um6_E/s320/110607-N-PD773-080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">“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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He gave me a coin, and thanked me for my service. It was a memorable deployment experience.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment-->JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-13963888238211878252011-06-09T14:04:00.000+08:002011-06-09T14:04:52.501+08:00US, Philippine soldiers partner with local veterinarians to immunize hundreds of animals<!--StartFragment--> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 32px;">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.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDo21t8QnRg/TfBhdlq4YwI/AAAAAAAABgU/jj1Xs6ptdMg/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDo21t8QnRg/TfBhdlq4YwI/AAAAAAAABgU/jj1Xs6ptdMg/s200/4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">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. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">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.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1p6R53EKL4/TfBhUMFsN0I/AAAAAAAABgM/Re7k1j9uvrs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1p6R53EKL4/TfBhUMFsN0I/AAAAAAAABgM/Re7k1j9uvrs/s200/2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWu8MT_GzHc/TfBhUQAmm2I/AAAAAAAABgQ/OEE3lYny5Ng/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWu8MT_GzHc/TfBhUQAmm2I/AAAAAAAABgQ/OEE3lYny5Ng/s200/3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">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.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“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.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">“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.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">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. </div><!--EndFragment-->JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-91763367377430358532011-06-02T09:41:00.000+08:002011-06-02T09:41:37.438+08:00JSOTF-P Commander speaks about honoring Philippine and US comrades<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8b6ysK1DBSM/Tebn9BRl_bI/AAAAAAAABYs/2EIycDkZb-U/s1600/110528-N-PD773-137LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8b6ysK1DBSM/Tebn9BRl_bI/AAAAAAAABYs/2EIycDkZb-U/s320/110528-N-PD773-137LR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><!--StartFragment--> <br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;">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)</span><!--EndFragment--> <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">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)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> <!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">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)</span><!--EndFragment--> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDPDA3pFmmM/TebpQ0MZvdI/AAAAAAAABY4/brHsaq6fM7Y/s1600/110528-N-PD773-105LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDPDA3pFmmM/TebpQ0MZvdI/AAAAAAAABY4/brHsaq6fM7Y/s320/110528-N-PD773-105LR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> <!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">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. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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)</span><!--EndFragment--> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PTYedGbcr0/TebpkMOZolI/AAAAAAAABY8/D7MLZheNHQU/s1600/110528-N-PD773-092LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PTYedGbcr0/TebpkMOZolI/AAAAAAAABY8/D7MLZheNHQU/s320/110528-N-PD773-092LR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"> <!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">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)</span><!--EndFragment--> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mm6H27CmYJg/TebpywpKVhI/AAAAAAAABZA/B8o28bF6Zkc/s1600/110528-N-PD773-071LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mm6H27CmYJg/TebpywpKVhI/AAAAAAAABZA/B8o28bF6Zkc/s320/110528-N-PD773-071LR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> <!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">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)</span><!--EndFragment--> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_WDPTXoqZvw/TebqF1D68vI/AAAAAAAABZE/pgF0gz9tlVo/s1600/110528-N-PD773-061LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_WDPTXoqZvw/TebqF1D68vI/AAAAAAAABZE/pgF0gz9tlVo/s320/110528-N-PD773-061LR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> <!--StartFragment--> <div class="MsoNormal">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)</div><!--EndFragment--> </span></span></span></div>JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-9324775923774931052011-05-30T11:38:00.000+08:002011-05-30T11:38:46.763+08:00ARMM Regional Government (ARG) Extends Health Support To Most Isolated Municipalities of PH through DOH-ARMM and IPHO-Tawi-tawi<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Courtesy of ARMM Regional Government</span></span></span></i></b></span></div><!--EndFragment--> <div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Root of ARMM health problems identified</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Once of the most challenging reality in ARMM, aside from the very high maternal, under-five and infant mortality rates and the overwhelmingly poor state of health reflected on the National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) 2008, is the lack of confidence to health workers, poor health seeking attitude and unresponsive population to various health programs. Of all possible reasons, it can be attributed on the lack of direct intervention in many difficult areas wherein specialized services are never offered, basically due to lack of specialist physicians serving the remote areas, lack of facilities, inadequate equipments, insufficient and overworked manpower, widespread poverty, geographic and security isolation of many communities, and the cost of intervention.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Outreach plan, reaching out activity.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">ARMM’s DOH Secretary Sinolinding who is a practicing ophthalmologist proposed and spearheaded the “Kasama Mo si Sec (KMS) Project. A unique, perhaps the only one in the country that addresses the often neglected services that were long sought in many isolated and difficult areas. With a</span><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> group of Physicians and Nurses, dared the rough seas of Tawi-tawi province just to reach out and serve the most isolated municipalities of the province, the Sibutu, South Ubian, Mapun and Turtle Islands (taganak). Armed with the marching orders of the Acting Regional Governor Ansaruddin Adiong to provide excellent services to the people of the region in response to President Aquino’s Universal Access to Health Care, physician volunteers from DOH-ARMM headed by Regional secretary Dr. Kadil Jojo Sinolinding in tandem with other volunteers headed by Tawi-tawi provincial Health officer Dr Sukarno Asri made the plan an reality.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Children’ First.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">A US Army paediatrician assigned to the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines helped out in the provision of pediatric care among the residents. He is being supported by Dr. Falmi Usman, Dr Oliver Lee, Dr. George Lee, and Dr. Uribe. They have served at least 550 cases, provided with complete lines of medicines.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> <!--StartFragment--> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 12pt;">Measles Rubella Eradication Campaign.</span></b></span></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">One of the major agenda in the outreach activity is the campaign for the total eradication of Measles Rubella in the region, a preventable disease that accounts to a significant number of outbreak in the country. In the recent months, only Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur reported to have sporadic cases minus the island provinces. Thanks to the concerted effort of all health workers of ARMM.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Sight First.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">World class eye surgery in the middle of nowhere, even in the most unsuited situation? Yes. Not because of any fancy reason but of the pressing need. With a resounding demand to perform eye surgeries to many blind people, Ophthalmologists Dr. Jojo Sinolinding and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Elizabeth Chin performed a total of 15 major eye surgeries mostly cataracts and 5 minor procedures.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Other Health Programs Implemented<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">One of the most popular services here is the Oplan Tuli’s free circumcision and Oplan Ngipin’s dental services that served close to four hundred residents. Oplan Bukol that addresses removal of cysts and unwanted growths in the body served well too. Safe Motherhood Karavan that provided services for birth spacing and other reproductive health concerns received a high demand for the intervention.<o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment--> <br />
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<!--EndFragment-->JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-39991043250366009452011-05-27T10:27:00.000+08:002011-05-27T10:27:41.362+08:00USAID and US Forces collaborate on future projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5e596RpA8g/Td8Le2ZspeI/AAAAAAAABX4/tn0z6bTlkWk/s1600/110502-N-DP001-020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5e596RpA8g/Td8Le2ZspeI/AAAAAAAABX4/tn0z6bTlkWk/s320/110502-N-DP001-020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Zamboanga City, Republic of the Philippines – Robert Burch, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Education Chief (Right), Michael Rossman, USAID Office of Regional Procurement Chief, and Navy Capt. Robert V. Gusentine, commander, Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) discuss collaboration opportunities during a meeting May 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The meeting focused on opportunities for USAID and JSOTF-P to further the Philippine government’s “whole of government” Internal Peace and Security Plan with support by the U.S. Embassy’s “3-D” – diplomacy, development, and defense - approaches to combating terrorism in the Southern Philippines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Ted Green)</div><!--EndFragment--> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U175oVyBaPI/Td8LhIbx_KI/AAAAAAAABX8/w1VoaEg-8As/s1600/110502-N-DP001-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U175oVyBaPI/Td8LhIbx_KI/AAAAAAAABX8/w1VoaEg-8As/s320/110502-N-DP001-003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Zamboanga City, Republic of the Philippines – Robert Burch, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Education Chief, (Right) talks with the commander of the Civil Affairs Company, Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P), during a meeting May 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The meeting focused on opportunities for USAID and JSOTF-P to further the Philippine government’s “whole of government” Internal Peace and Security Plan with support by the U.S. Embassy’s “3-D” – diplomacy, development, and defense - approaches to combating terrorism in the Southern Philippines. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Ted Green)</div><!--EndFragment-->JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-44214834826737578572011-05-17T09:31:00.000+08:002011-05-17T09:31:57.206+08:00Visual and musical expression<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhH0xwzK7ps/TdHPZZ9m5hI/AAAAAAAABXE/wnVIPbH30vY/s1600/110506-N-0540C-426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhH0xwzK7ps/TdHPZZ9m5hI/AAAAAAAABXE/wnVIPbH30vY/s320/110506-N-0540C-426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">ZAMBOANGA, Republic of the Philippines (May 6, 2010) – Attendees of Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Art for Peace show listen to music by local Tausug musicians. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Art work from local artists including the internationally acclaimed Rameer Tawasil and Philippine National Artist Abdulmari Imao was on display.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pieces by local City Councilor Gerky Velasco Jr. and on the left by Capt. Robert Gusentine, commander, Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines are backdrop for the musicians. Mindanao’s cultural appreciation for art and expression has become a venue for advancing a sense of peace and community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Photo by Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines Public Affairs)</span><!--EndFragment-->JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-29188482358311953052011-05-17T09:27:00.000+08:002011-05-17T09:27:58.723+08:00The spirit of the carabao<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6su0SUxoECo/TdHOzyKq1fI/AAAAAAAABXA/F3ZNtKV5yiU/s1600/110506-N-0540C-138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6su0SUxoECo/TdHOzyKq1fI/AAAAAAAABXA/F3ZNtKV5yiU/s320/110506-N-0540C-138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">ZAMBOANGA, Republic of the Philippines (May 6, 2010) – Zamboanga City Mayor, Celso L. Lobregat (front) and other attendees of Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s Art for Peace show discuss the significance of the carabao in Philippine culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here they are looking at a work by Commander, Joint Special Operation Task Force – Philippines, Capt. Robert Gusentine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Various local artists, to include Gusentine and the internationally acclaimed Rameer Tawasil, displayed their work for the public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mindanao’s cultural appreciation for art and expression has become a venue for advancing a sense of peace and community. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Photo by Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines Public Affairs)</span>JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-81381065903818457072011-05-03T10:23:00.001+08:002011-05-03T10:56:03.052+08:00Congressional Representatives visit Philippines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPOOhsm9tFw/Tb9lduDzRFI/AAAAAAAABTk/gi2kCI-1PwM/s1600/110501-N-DP001-047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPOOhsm9tFw/Tb9lduDzRFI/AAAAAAAABTk/gi2kCI-1PwM/s320/110501-N-DP001-047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">ZAMBOANGA CITY, Republic of the Philippines U.S. Rep. Todd Russell Platts from Pennsylvania meets with Armed Forces of the Philippines Lt. Gen Raymundo B. Ferrer, commander, Western Mindanao Command. Rep. Platts, Rep. Stephen Lynch from Massachusetts, Rep. Mike Kelly from Pennsylvania, and Rep. Ed Perlmutter from Colorado visited the Philippines on May 1, 2011 as part of a routine trip through the Asia-Pacific region. These members of the U.S. House of Representatives visited Manila, Zamboanga, and Basilan to consult with Philippine officials and conduct oversight of U.S. cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 (SW/AW) Ted Green.)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxrNOndM6Ss/Tb9lklSkjsI/AAAAAAAABTo/GqJpfINIyDI/s1600/110501-N-DP001-073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxrNOndM6Ss/Tb9lklSkjsI/AAAAAAAABTo/GqJpfINIyDI/s320/110501-N-DP001-073.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">ZAMBOANGA CITY, Republic of the Philippines – Armed Forces of the Philippines Lt. Gen Raymundo B. Ferrer, commander, Western Mindanao Command discusses the importance of the strategic partnership between U.S. Special Operations Forces and Armed Forces of the Philippines to counter terrorism in the southern Philippines with U.S. Rep. Todd Russell Platts from Pennsylvania. Rep. Platts, Rep. Stephen Lynch from Massachusetts, Rep. Mike Kelly from Pennsylvania, and Rep. Ed Perlmutter from Colorado visited the Philippines on May 1 as part of a routine trip through the Asia-Pacific region. These members of the U.S. House of Representatives visited Manila, Zamboanga, and Basilan to consult with Philippine officials and conduct oversight of U.S. cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 (SW/AW) Ted Green.)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pOd2myZkqUM/Tb9lmg2q4SI/AAAAAAAABTs/tlzkSf9ilf4/s1600/110501-N-DP001-263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pOd2myZkqUM/Tb9lmg2q4SI/AAAAAAAABTs/tlzkSf9ilf4/s320/110501-N-DP001-263.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">BASILAN, Republic of the Philippines –A member of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) who is embedded with Philippine Armed Forces in Basilan briefs U.S. Congressional members about U.S. support and assistance to Philippine security forces in the Southern Philippines, at the request of the Government and Armed Forces of the Philippines. U.S. Rep. Todd Russell Platts from Pennsylvania, Rep. Stephen Lynch from Massachusetts, Rep. Mike Kelly from Pennsylvania, and Rep. Ed Perlmutter from Colorado visited the Philippines on May 1 as part of a routine trip through the Asia-Pacific region. These members of the U.S. House of Representatives visited Manila, Zamboanga, and Basilan to consult with Philippine officials and conduct oversight of U.S. cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 (SW/AW) Ted Green.)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNlsUs9J_FM/Tb9lpG8BppI/AAAAAAAABTw/2QyMNsQi5rY/s1600/110501-N-DP001-303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNlsUs9J_FM/Tb9lpG8BppI/AAAAAAAABTw/2QyMNsQi5rY/s320/110501-N-DP001-303.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">ZAMBOANGA CITY, Republic of the Philippines – Mayor Celso L. Lobregat of Zamboanga City presents U.S. Rep. Todd Russell Platts from Pennsylvania and other congressional members with a token of appreciation for their visit to the area. Rep. Platts, Rep. Stephen Lynch from Massachusetts, Rep. Mike Kelly from Pennsylvania, and Rep. Ed Perlmutter from Colorado visited the Philippines on May 1as part of a routine trip through the Asia-Pacific region. These members of the U.S. House of Representatives visited Manila, Zamboanga, and Basilan to consult with Philippine officials and conduct oversight of U.S. cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Official U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 (SW/AW) Ted Green.)</div>JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-26174648168290221742011-05-01T14:46:00.000+08:002011-05-01T14:46:49.111+08:00U.S. Provides PNP With New Equipment<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">By Philippine National Police Public Information Office</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">ZAMBOANGA CITY, Republic of the Philippines – The U.S. recently provided nearly 325,000 pesos (USD 7,500)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>worth of communications equipment to a local Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Battalion following its recent operations in Basilan.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The PNP’s 5th Special Action Battalion received portable radios, laptops, printers, and other communication equipment.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“This equipment will directly benefit Philippine forces on the ground combating terrorist elements in Basilan,” said a senior member of the PNP’s 5th Special Action Battalion. “This program highlights the importance of our partnership with the United States.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The U.S. Rewards Program provides cash, goods, or services to reward individuals for information or assistance that is beneficial to military force protection or operations against international terrorism, specifically the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist groups.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The general public is also encouraged to participate in the program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Individuals or whole communities can qualify for rewards for information or assistance they provide to aid security forces in operations.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Since January 2011, 12 individuals and communities have received rewards totaling more than 4.25 million pesos (nearly USD 100,000).</div><!--EndFragment-->JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-49706077467220436392011-04-26T15:27:00.000+08:002011-04-26T15:27:36.306+08:003rd Marine Division Commander visits the Southern Philippines<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdGUgeAjAWM/TbZzlzxTSOI/AAAAAAAABSY/x8y1IpKG73k/s1600/110416-M-3043M-035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdGUgeAjAWM/TbZzlzxTSOI/AAAAAAAABSY/x8y1IpKG73k/s320/110416-M-3043M-035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">ZAMBOANGA, Republic of the Philippines (April 16, 2011) – Commanding General, 3rd Marine Division, Maj. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, center, meets with senior members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during an office call with Western Mindanao Command at Camp Navarro. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Demetrius Munnerlyn)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zU9jV-oMfGs/TbZzvtECxgI/AAAAAAAABSc/d0PRb2Lv0Ag/s1600/110416-M-3043M-064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zU9jV-oMfGs/TbZzvtECxgI/AAAAAAAABSc/d0PRb2Lv0Ag/s320/110416-M-3043M-064.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal">ZAMBOANGA, Republic of the Philippines (April 16, 2011) – Commanding General, 3rd Marine Division, Maj. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, left, meets with U.S. Marines assigned to Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines while visiting Camp Navarro. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Demetrius Munnerlyn)</div><!--EndFragment--> <br />
<!--EndFragment-->JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2719003037070145611.post-88040899967924032882011-04-19T09:42:00.002+08:002011-04-19T11:14:29.672+08:00JSOTFP service members visit local orphanage<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines Public Affairs Office<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">ZAMOANGA CITY, Republic of the Philippines – On April 5, eleven service members from Joint Special Operations Task Force- Philippines, visited the “Reception and Study Center for Children,” a center for displaced children in Zamboanga City. They brought with them boxes of donated clothes, toiletries, and candy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5cYmDrA7BX0/Taz6YXVgQKI/AAAAAAAABRs/e5bLXNEv7kE/s1600/110405-N-4451V-062lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5cYmDrA7BX0/Taz6YXVgQKI/AAAAAAAABRs/e5bLXNEv7kE/s320/110405-N-4451V-062lr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Reception and Study Center for Children is home to 45 children ranging from infants to young teenagers. The center is part of the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">“Everyone around camp is always asking me when our next trip to the orphanage is, so I try to plan as many as I can,” explained Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Price, the command chaplain assistant who helped coordinate the event.<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">In addition to the donations, members from JSOTF-P gave approximately P13,000 to the center.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">“It’s good to see the kids,” said Master-at-Arms 3<sup>rd</sup> Class Brendan Washock, who donated the money on behalf of the service members. “It puts a face to the mission we are doing down here” he added.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nmJ0SHLiVsU/Taz6fAeElYI/AAAAAAAABRw/Xt9ifEwF-aA/s1600/110405-N-4451V-039lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nmJ0SHLiVsU/Taz6fAeElYI/AAAAAAAABRw/Xt9ifEwF-aA/s320/110405-N-4451V-039lr.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span>“(JSOTF-P’s) visit here makes the children happy,” said Josefina Reyes, the head of the center. “They are delighted when people come and play with them.”<o:p></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">U.S. forces are temporarily deployed to the Philippines in a strictly non-combat role at the invitation of the Philippine government to advise and assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to fight terrorism and deliver humanitarian assistance to the people of the Philippines.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">"We are improving the local community by helping the less fortunate. It also presents a good image of American service members,” Price added.<o:p></o:p></div>JSOTF-P Public Affairshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15347227616426707405noreply@blogger.com0