US soldiers to conduct humanitarian mission in Samar

TACLOBAN CITY — American soldiers are coming to Samar Island not to conduct any military exercise but for a humanitarian mission.

“This is not a war exercise but purely a humanitarian mission wherein they will conduct some medical missions, build some school buildings and renovate health centers,” Lt. Col. Arvin Lagamon, spokesperson of the 8th Infantry Division, said Thursday afternoon.

The visiting soldiers are expected to arrive on board the USNS Mercy, a hospital ship that would dock at the Calbayog port, he said.

The humanitarian and civic assistance mission dubbed the Pacific Partnership 2012 will be held in the cities of Calbayog and Catbalogan and in the towns of Gandar, San Jorge, in Samar and in San Isidro, Northern Samar from June 18 to July 1.

The USNS Mercy, which has a home port in San Diego, California, has been touring several countries, particularly in the Pacific conducting their humanitarian mission.

Lagamon said that the visiting soldiers would help in the construction of school buildings in San Isidro, Northern Samar and in Gandara, Samar. They would also help renovate a health center in San Jorge, Samar, he added.

Aside from these, medical and dental missions would be held in Calbayog and Catbalogan cities, Lagamon said.

Some members of the mission support group have arrived in Samar starting May 22, he said.

However, Lagamon could not say how many American soldiers would be coming to Samar for their two-week mission. On the other hand, Maj. Gen. Gerardo Layug, commanding general of the 8th ID, welcomed the visit of the American soldiers to the region.

“The 8th ID will work hand in hand with the US Armed Forces, partner nation military personnel, and the local government units and agencies of Samar through the concept of bayanihan in order to deliver much needed services in selected communities in the province,” Layug said in a press statement. /INQUIRER