Security strengthened for Mercy’s visit to south

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Backed by American troops, the Armed Forces Southern Command (Southcom) has strengthened its security amid possible attacks from the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf when the US Navy hospital Mercy holds a three-week medical mission in Mindanao starting tomorrow.

Southcom information chief Capt. Jose Richie Pabilonia said there were unconfirmed reports that the extremist Islamic group would stage sabotage operations during Mercy’s visit in Sulu, a known hotbed of local militants.

Pabilonia said coordination for the security has been mapped out, tapping local police forces and various military units under the Southcom.

"Tough security will be implemented as there are unconfirmed threats from the Abu Sayyaf to conduct atrocities while the ship holds its Sulu and Tawi-Tawi mission," Pabilonia said.

Members of the Philippine and US Navy SEALs would be deployed when Mercy sets anchor off Basilan Strait for medical missions in Zamboanga City and Basilan.

The 892-foot Mercy made her last visit during the late 1980s in this city and docked at the Navy Pier Lower Calarian.

However, US security authorities and the military here decided the ship would anchor off Basilan Strait during the eight-day mission to serve both Zamboanga and Basilan simultaneously.

US Navy Cmdr. Katty Wright, public affairs officer of the Joint Special Operation Task Force-Philippines, said the ship is scheduled to arrive tomorrow.

After Zamboanga and Basilan, Pabilonia said the USN Mercy would immediately proceed to Sulu and serve there for eight days and another eight days in Tawi-Tawi.

The anti-terror Task Force Zamboanga unit under Col. Edgardo Gidaya will take care of security on the ground.

Security in Basilan will come from the military unit of Brig. Gen. Reymundo Ferrer.

Pabilonia said the Naval Forces Western Mindanao will deploy three patrol crafts and the elements of the Naval Special Warfare Action Group and the Philippine Navy SEALs.

The US Navy will also deploy its own SEALs to jointly patrol around the vicinity where the floating US Navy hospital is docked.

Pabilonia said only patients requiring major surgery would be brought aboard the USN Mercy. Minor operations will be conducted on the shore facilities.