Manila, November 13, 2019 — U.S. and Philippine service members conducted joint medical training at Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao from September 20 to 22, to improve critical life-saving skills in combat casualty care.

More than 30 different units from both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military trained side by side in a three-day, comprehensive medical training known as Tactical Combat Casualty Care.  The event, which was the largest held by the Philippine 6th Infantry Division (6ID) in more than five years, provided classroom instruction and hands-on practical training on treating wounded soldiers.

“Said training was aimed at increasing the knowledge of our troops on the correct way of giving first aid, familiarizing ourselves with the human anatomy, and learning the do’s and don’ts of treating patients…” said 6ID Commander Major General Diosdado Carreon.

Following the training, the United States provided more than Php 830,080.00 ($16,000) in medical supplies to the 6ID.  The training and supplies have bolstered 6ID’s ability to conduct critical care to Filipino soldiers on the battlefield.  The joint training helps to strengthen the longstanding bond between U.S. and AFP soldiers.

“Being equipped with knowledge on casualty care really means a lot when saving lives, especially to our fellow heroes of the battlefield…  I salute our instructors for their passion in terms of tactical care.  They explained it very well and the experiences they’ve shared are something that serves as an inspiration,” said Tanyalux Bella an ICU Nurse at Cotabato Regional Medical Center.

The United States, as a longstanding friend, partner, and ally of the Philippines, continues to provide support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines through a variety of trainings.

Jalilah and her family are among more than 30,000 Marawi residents who have benefitted from temporary shelters provided by the U.S. government.  An added Php234 million in U.S. government funding will provide shelter assistance to 2,600 additional individuals.  (Photo credit: Tiffany Tsang, Catholic Relief Services)

Manila, July 18, 2019 —The U.S. government is providing an additional Php234 million ($4.5 million) in humanitarian assistance to bolster relief and recovery efforts for individuals affected by the Marawi conflict.

This new contribution to the Marawi humanitarian response brings the U.S. government’s total commitment to Marawi recovery to more than Php3.4 billion ($63.6 million).  The additional funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will help approximately 50,000 internally displaced persons in Marawi and 9,000 in Maguindanao.

“The U.S. government remains committed to supporting the Philippine government in helping restore normalcy in the lives of the Filipinos affected by the Marawi conflict,” said U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim.  “This new assistance reflects the strong bond between the U.S. and the Philippines as friends, partners, and allies.”

The new U.S. government resources will provide 2,600 individuals with emergency shelter assistance, in addition to the nearly 33,000 individuals who have previously benefitted.  USAID will deepen its existing efforts within Marawi City and Lanao del Sur province to expand water and sanitation services and enhance safe spaces to protect women and children from exploitation and violence.  The new funds will augment ongoing U.S. government support to the Philippine government in providing life-saving aid and improving economic and social conditions for vulnerable populations.

Since the early stages of the conflict, the U.S. government has worked to improve conditions in evacuation centers and host communities while providing essential maternal, newborn, and child health supplies, as well as related training for affected populations.  In recent months, the U.S. government has provided livelihood support to nearly 7,500 displaced households, daily water delivery to more than 6,000 internally displaced persons, and hygiene kits and education for more than 30,000 people.

To advance lasting peace in Mindanao, U.S. government programs are helping young people enhance their job skills and attain livelihoods, promoting positive engagement among communities, and enhancing participation in local governance.

About USAID

USAID is the lead U.S. government agency for international development and disaster assistance.  In the Philippines, USAID partners with the national government to build a more stable, prosperous, and well-governed nation.  For more information, visit https://www.usaid.gov/philippines or email infoph@usaid.gov.