US troops tighten security in Sulu

JOLO, Sulu — US soldiers deployed for humanitarian mission here have tightened security following the arrival of the USNS Mercy floating emergency hospital.

Filipino troops belonging to the anti-terror Task Force Comet and police were visible in downtown Jolo, Sulu, a known hotbed of Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

Security is expected to be tightened with the scheduled arrival today of US Pacific Command chief Adm. Thomas Fallon and Ambassador Kristie Ann Kenny.

US troops in full battle gear from the 104th Army Brigade camp in Barangay Busbus have been conducting security checks.

Traffic has occasionally been halted to allow passage for a convoy of US soldiers, along with Philippine military contingents.

Brig. Gen. Alexander Aleo, Task Force Comet commander, said the American troops expressed initial concern following the recent killing of Filipino soldiers by the suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

At least seven people — four Marines, a policeman, and two civilians — were gunned down separately barely two weeks before the USNS Mercy arrived Saturday to give free medical care to thousands of villagers here.

Aleo said the US soldiers have been brief about local government effort to run after the Abu Sayyaf and impose counter-security measures.

"The hunt continues, and we have to be strict with our security now specially with the arrival of the USNS Mercy," he said.

They are not discounting possibility that the Abu Sayyaf might sabotage the hospital ship, he added.

US troop movement, especially outside the camp is coordinated with the soldiers of the 104th Army Brigade, Aleo said.

Earlier, the Armed Forces Southern Command admitted receiving information that the Abu Sayyaf is planning to conduct attacks while the USNS Mercy is docked here.

US Navy Cmdr. Katy Wright, Joint Special Operation Task Force-Philippines public affairs officer, has expressed concern over the safety of US troops on humanitarian mission in Sulu.

"But the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) create the environment (of security)," he said of the current military effort to contain any untoward scenario.

Beneficiaries of free surgical operations aboard the USNS Mercy were ferried from Jolo to the ship anchored off the coast via the HH-60 Seahawk helicopter.

Philippine Navy and the US Navy Seals were also deployed to intercept attempts to disrupt the mission, according to military officials.

USNS Mercy officials led by Commodore Bradley Martin, Capt. Joseph Moore, executive officer Capt. Henry Villareal toured the

Sulu hospital to assess the needed facilities the mission can give.

The USNS Mercy, whose crew include a number of Filipino-Americans, arrived at the Port of Manila on May 20 for a month-long mission of humanitarian and civic assistance in the country, beginning with Mindanao.

The deployment of the USNS Mercy is an effort carried out in conjunction with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and in close coordination and partnership with local medical care professionals.

Volunteers from the US Public Health Service, Aloha Medical Mission, Project Hope and the University of California and the San Diego Pre-Dental Society boarded the USNS Mercy in Manila, as did

medical personnel from the Armed Forces Philippines (AFP) Surgeon General’s Office.

A number of US and Philippine government, military and civilian agencies were involved in planning this month-long mission of medical, dental and civic-action programs to provide focused humanitarian assistance to the people of the Philippines.

The ship, which calls San Diego harbor its home port, can support various services such as casualty reception, optometry screenings, eyewear distribution, physical therapy, burn care, radiological and laboratory services, dermatology, urology, obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, ophthalmologic surgery, plastic surgery.

It is also equipped to provide basic medical evaluation and treatment, preventative medicine, dental screenings and treatment, immunizations, public health training and assessment and vector control to curb infections and prevent epidemics. It even provides veterinary services.