This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

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