Professional Soldiers ® - MEDCAP in Indanan first of many

MEDCAP in Indanan first of many
CJSOTF-P Public Affairs

Quote:

Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines and the Armed Forces of the Philippines began to secure the peace in Indanan with a Medical Civil Action Program, treating more than 600 people, August 12.

The Langpas Medical Civic Action Project (MEDCAP) is the first in Indanan since the start of the AFP's Operation Ultimatum and is part of an ongoing partnership between the Armed Forces of the Philippines' 35th Infantry Battalion, Sulu government organizations and Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines.

"We eagerly begin to bring development and humanitarian aid only in areas that are safe and secure," said Col. James Linder, CJSOTF-P commander. "The AFP has taken the courageous steps necessary to drive the terrorists and lawless elements from this area so that peace and prosperity can start to take hold."

The MEDCAP in Langpas unofficially kicks off a series of health, education and engineering efforts coming to Sulu upon the successful outcome of Operation Ultimatum, all of which are led by the AFP. The security the AFP established in the area paves the way for more opportunities for the people of Sulu.

The 35th Infantry Battalion has coordinated extensively with the Langpas municipality for the MEDCAP.

Care providers for the MEDCAP include:

The Sulu Dental Association
The Auturas Hospital
The AFP
JSOTF-P

Volunteer staff from the Philippines Red Cross, the Sulu Provincial Government, and the Integrated Provincial Health Office also supported the effort with registration, health screening, translation and distribution of medication. More than 100 volunteers extended their efforts in this MEDCAP.

"It will be critical for the Governor and local authorities to continue the good work the AFP is doing by bringing these services and development to Indanan", Linder said. "I am confident the scene is set for continued peace, success and economic development."

The Langpas MEDCAP is the 37th Medical Civic Action Program conducted by the AFP and JSOTF-P in Jolo in the past nine months where more than 37,000 patients have received service; fully two percent of the population on the island of Sulu.