AMBASSADOR VISITS PHILIPPINE MARINES IN HOSPITAL

UNCLAS MANILA 002447 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MARR RP SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR VISITS PHILIPPINE MARINES IN HOSPITAL REF: MANILA 2344 ¶1. Summary. During a July 15 and 16 visit to Zamboanga City, the Ambassador and Commander of Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines (JSOTF-P) visited Philippine marine casualties of the July 10 Basilan engagement (see reftel). Prior to the visit they had discussions with the Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command. In ceremonies at Zamboanga City Hall the Ambassador was inducted as a "Daughter of Zamboanga City". End Summary. AMBASSADOR VISITS INJURED AFP MARINES IN HEROES WARD -------------- -------------- ¶2. Ambassador and Commander JSOTF-P along with the Commander of WESTMINCOM paid a visit to AFP marines who were injured in a combat engagement on Basilan on July 10 (see reftel). The marines were being treated in the Heroes Ward at the AFP hospital on Camp Navarro. In addition to treatment for their physical wounds the casualties have also been under going counseling for combat induced stress according to the chief nurse. The atmosphere in the ward was reverent and somber as the Ambassador spoke with each of the wounded. Ambassador extended her gratitude for the service of the marines and their sacrifices in the line of duty. Hospital personnel stated that the personal visit by the Ambassador and Commander JSOTF-P was very positive for the morale of the patients ¶3. SEPTEL reports on Ambassador's meeting with Commander of WESTMINCOM. AMBASSADOR BECOMES ADOPTED DAUGHTER OF ZAMBOANGA CITY -------------- -------------- ¶4. In a ceremony before a packed city hall the Ambassador was inducted as a "Daughter of Zamboanga" which highlighted her ongoing outreach to this strategic area of the Philippines. The mayor was enthusiastic in his speech conferring the award to the Ambassador. He recognized the significant contributions that the US has made in the development of the city through USAID projects, US Navy ship visits, US military community relations programs, and as a partner in assisting the Philippines on the road through the Peace Process. There was extensive national and local media coverage that positively portrayed the ceremony and the award. The Ambassador's remarks stressed the rich history of the city that embraced diversity and welcomed people of different faiths and cultures. She expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership with the city in making government transparent, improving citizen services and promotion of growth and development. ZAMBOANGA CITY - "ASIA'S LATIN CITY" -------------- ¶5. Zamboanga City is a busy international port with strategic importance in the southern Philippines and Sulu archipelago as a center of government and commerce. It is the fifth largest city of the Philippines with a population of over 850,000 and an economy driven by fishing and agricultural exports. The city is home to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) where JSOTF-P is co-located on Camp Navarro. The political and cultural dynamics of the area are complex and conflict has long been a part of the social fabric. Recently the city and region have benefited from the strong cooperative relationships for JSOTF-P along with those of USAID that helped to improve infrastructure, increase economic growth, and lay the foundation for peace and prosperity in this often troubled part of the Philippines. KENNEY