Japanese forces back in Phl, this time for relief missions

CEBU, Philippines - An initial 650 Japanese doctors and engineers who will join government emergency response and rehabilitation teams in Tacloban City and other areas of Leyte and Samar provinces arrived yesterday morning.

They came onboard a Japanese Maritime Self Defense Forces vessel and form part of the first major contingent of the country's largest military overseas deployment after World War II.

Lt. General Roy Deveratorda, commander of the Philippine Armed Forces' Central Command, told reporters that arrival of the Japanese is a welcome development since the Philippine Government is now in the rehabilitation stage of its relief program for victims of super typhoon Yolanda.

Real Admiral Hisanori Sato met Deveratorda at the Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base yesterday afternoon and discussed coordination measures for the Japanese delegation's deployment in Tacloban.

Deveratorda said the Japanese official informed him that a total of three vessels would be sent to the Philippines, with the Osumi transport vessel and the Towada supply vessel expected to arrive next week.

The ships would be used to provide medical services and transport relief supplies to Leyte and Samar, especially in Tacloban, which is one of the worst-hit places in the Visayas.

Japan's Self-Defense Forces are likewise sending seven C-130 transport planes, two KC-767 tanker planes, and one U-4 multi-purpose support aircraft.

Deveratorda said that aside from the doctors and engineers, Japan is also sending heavy equipment to assist in road cleanups and power lines installation. —/RHM (FREEMAN)