MAKING THE MOST OUT OF THE "MERCY"

UNCLAS MANILA 005964 SIPDIS SENSITIVE USPACOM FOR FPA HUSO STATE FOR EAP/MTS SECDEF/OSD/ISA/AP FOR ALLEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS PHUM RP SUBJECT: MAKING THE MOST OUT OF THE "MERCY" REF: MANILA 4225 ¶1. (SBU) Summary. A visit by the USNS Mercy to the Philippines could contribute significantly to our program of civil-military operations (CMO) in the Sulu Archipelago and have a positive impact our counterterrorism efforts there. Some additional support, e.g., medium-lift helicopters, may be needed to ensure success. We recommend early deployment of a liaison officer to coordinate with Mission personnel on detailed requirements and force protection issues. End Summary. USNS MERCY VISIT SUPPORTS ONGOING CMO EFFORTS -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Post welcomes the proposed visit of the hospital ship USNS Mercy to the Philippines during its 2006 deployment to Southeast Asia. Its presence will contribute significantly to our ongoing CMO program and help reinforce the positive image of the United States here. Our CMO effort, which is designed to bolster the Armed Forces of the Philippine's (AFP) own ability to conduct CMO successfully, is a central part of our counterterrorism strategy. ¶3. (SBU) Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) has developed a comprehensive plan of civil-military action in the Sulu Archipelago and Mindanao that builds on USAID's existing longer-term programs. During the months of October through December 2005, JSOTF-P, working in tandem with the AFP, treated over 10,000 people in this medically under-served region, the majority of them from the disaffected Muslim minority. ¶4. (SBU) Well planned CMO activity can reinforce the efforts of the JSOTF-P, and, over the longer term, directly and positively impact the counterterrorism fight in the southern Philippines. The August 9-10, 2005 intervention of Expeditionary Strike Group-1 (ESG-1) on Tawi-Tawi represents a model of what the "Mercy" could achieve (reftel). Over the space of two days, ESG-1 and JSOTF-P personnel, working with AFP and civilian doctors and nurses, examined and treated roughly 3,000 people, helping to re-establish links between the government and people in this conflict-affected area. RECOMMENDED FOCUS ON THE SULU ARCHIPELAGO -------------- ¶5. (SBU) The presence of the USNS Mercy and its doctors and medical staff would have a tremendous effect on our outreach effort to the Muslim community. For this reason, we recommend that the Mercy focus its time in the Philippines on Zamboanga and the Sulu Archipelago. Like ESG-1, we would seek to link its program to ongoing JSOTF-P and USAID activity, as well as to local NGO and GRP entities. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT MAY BE REQUIRED -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Some additional support may be required to ensure the success of the visit. ESG-1's organic helicopter assets allowed it to transport medical personnel and patients to and from various sites on Tawi-Tawi. Similar medium-lift helicopters would be required to support activities on Jolo, Tawi-Tawi, and elsewhere in the Sulu Archipelago and Zamboanga. LIAISON OFFICER TO HELP DETERMINE WHAT IS NEEDED -------------- --- ¶7. (SBU) Force Protection in the Sulu Archipelago is a legitimate and important concern. We stand ready to work with the Mercy to mitigate any potential threat and to obtain whatever AFP assistance may be required to ensure adequate security. The early deployment of a liaison officer to Joint US Military Assistance Group-Philippines (JUSMAG-P) could help fully develop the concept of operations in consultations with Mission personnel and staff out what force protection and other requirements might be needed to support the Mercy's visit. Visit Embassy Manila's Classified website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm Jones