Over 300 served in Sitangkai

A joint medical civic action project was done a fortnight past at Imam Sapie, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, where more than three hundred residents in one of the southernmost islands in the Philippines availed of the free health services provided for by the combined civil-military forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines.

Done on August 30 this year, "This MEDCAP provided healthcare to the people of an area seldom visited due to its remote location," said JSOTFP spokesman Maj. Ken Hoffman.

"Three hundred twenty-nine patients were given general health consultations. In addition, they (soldiers and volunteers) tested 44 people for malaria, performed 28 tooth extractions, and seven circumcisions," Hoffman added.

Working together at Imam Sapie were combined personnel of Task Force 62 of the Philippine Navy, the 2nd Marine Battalion Landing Team, LCE-62, and Civil Affairs Team 723 of JSOTFP.

"The purpose of the Medical Civic Action Project (MEDCAP) was to help improve quality of life for the populace of Sitangkai, and provide access to health care assistance to an area with limited medical capabilities. The MEDCAP was planned and coordinated by the AFP and JSOTF-P Civil Affairs to help provide basic health care for the residents of remote island areas," Hoffman elaborated.

Sitangkai Island is located approximately 40 miles southwest of Bongao, the capital town of Tawi-Tawi. About 141 males and 188 females were treated, 163 of whom were children and 166 were adults.

"It also helps to improve the quality of life for the people of Sitangkai and strengthen ties between the local community and the Filipino soldiers," Hoffman concluded. (Frencie L. Carreon)