By MSgt Joey Uyeg, PA

Isabela City, Basilan (30 July) -- Aside from pursuing the Kidnap for Ransom Groups (KFRGs) and other Lawless Elements, the military in Basilan also continues its humanitarian activities.

The 1st Philippine Marine Brigade (1MBde) in Basilan under Brig Gen Rustico O Guerrero AFP again spearheaded the 3rd joint Medical and Dental Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) this month last July 25 in a remote barangay of Isabela city together with the nurses of the Isabela City School’s Division Health and Nutrition Section led by its OIC Mrs Sheila Maria D Santos.

Said program was held at the Poor Clare Monastery Compound located at Brgy Tabiawan this city in coordination with its Mother Superior Carmela Diamante and Mother Trinitas Solagon.

The heavy rains did not stop some 420 barangay residents to avail of the medical consultation with free medicines and vitamins. Some 75 of which also benefited from tooth extraction. Aside from the mentioned social services, tooth brush and tooth pastes were given to each patient to support the government program on Dental Health Care.

The medical and dental outreach services were provided thru the active participation of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao 1306th Dental Dispensary Team led by military dentist Capt. Jose P Escorpiso; Camp Navarro General Hospital medical personnel 2Lt Adrian Ariste C Enriquez (MC) and 2Lt Richard Dennis R Delgado (NC); Isabela City Health Office representatives Mrs. Luz Redublo and Maria Trinidad Lim and a zealous nurse volunteer Mrs. Haydee Delos Reyes.

Last July 9 and 10, the same MEDCAP teams conducted a similar activity at barangays Begang and Baluno respectively, with emphasis on Civil Military Operations activities as a better way to attain lasting peace in Basilan.

The 1MBde Civil Military Operations (CMO) Chief, MSg Juancho Delos Reyes and the Barangay Chairman of Tabiawan Hon. Oscar G Bernardo were present and supervised the activity.

Meanwhile, Hon. Bernardo said that the medical outreach was one of the lined-up activities in commemoration with the coming “fiesta” on August 11 at the monastery.. He also praised the military and the civilian dental and medical team participants particularly the 1st Marine Brigade’s concern in addressing the basic health needs of his constituents and their families.

Likewise, Capt Escorpiso being the most senior Officer among the MEDCAP teams expressed his gratitude to Hon. Bernardo; Poor Claire Sisters Salve Bansalan, Lukman Donida and Mother Solagon for manifesting their warm welcome during the recent humanitarian activity.