RELIEF PHASE OF TYPHOON FRANK EFFORTS COMPLETED

UNCLAS MANILA 001582 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/EX AND EAP/MTS STATE PASS USAID E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID SOCI EAGR SENV RP SUBJECT: RELIEF PHASE OF TYPHOON FRANK EFFORTS COMPLETED REF: A) MANILA 1504 B) Manila 1521 C) Manila 1543 D) Manila 1560 ¶1. Summary. The phase of intense and immediate support for the victims of Typhoon Frank is complete, and the Philippines will now concentrate on the long-term rebuilding of its devastated provinces. President Arroyo has personally thanked the Mission and USS REAGAN commander for the United States government's swift and thorough response. With the immediate needs met, Mission believes that the time is right for remaining U.S. military assets and Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance staff to leave the area on or about July ¶2. The Philippines Secretary of Defense concurs. The United States has conducted more than 320 relief flights and delivered nearly 494,000 pounds of food, water, hygiene kits, and relief cargo. End summary. ¶2. The USS RONALD REAGAN and its carrier group provided assistance to those affected by the typhoon from June 25 to July 2. Aircraft from our ships, along with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) aircraft, delivered rice, bottled water, foodstuffs, medicine, hygiene kits, tarps, and other shelter materials. USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance provided $650,000 in goods and $100,000 in support to the Red Cross. The close coordination between the AFP, the U.S. Navy, the Philippine Red Cross, and national and local authorities, enabled rapid distribution to all four provinces on Panay Island and the 19 communities with the most critical needs. ¶3. In a strong public show of gratitude July 1 at a mass of remembrance for victims of the MV Princess of the Stars ferry sinking, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo personally thanked the acting Deputy Chief of Mission and USS REAGAN carrier group commander Rear Admiral Philip Wisecup for the rapid and extensive assistance effort mounted by the U.S. Her positive sentiments have been widely mirrored by the Philippine public and press. ¶4. The Navy vessel USNS STOCKHAM left the typhoon-affected area and resumed its scheduled deployment on July 1. The two USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance staff have performed their critical duties and will depart Iloilo July 2. ¶5. Short-term relief needs have been met. There is ongoing assistance by Philippine authorities and the Red Cross. The U.S. Embassy will maintain contact with Philippine counterparts to remain abreast of the situation as rebuilding continues. ¶6. With the critical phase of the U.S. humanitarian relief effort now passed, and with both the Philippine government and public expressing deep gratitude and appreciation for the extensive USG efforts, Mission believes that the time is right for U.S. military and disaster assistance assets to end their missions. ¶7. Ambassador has discussed this with the Philippine Secretary of Defense and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. Both are deeply appreciative of our assistance and both agree that our mission here is complete. The Philippine government is now moving from immediate relief to long term repair and rebuilding. ¶8. We will send a wrap-up report on the impact of our efforts septel. KENNEY