JOLO ISLAND (Mindanao Examiner / 16 Dec) - U.S. troops deployed in the southern Philippines distributed gifts to more than 100 children on the Muslim island of Jolo, where American forces are involved in humanitarian missions, a U.S. military spokesman said on Saturday.
Major John Redfield said U.S. troops assigned to the Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines had collected donations from among the unit and then purchased gifts for more than 100 children who live inside a Philippine Army base in Jolo town, about 950 kms south of Manila.
He said a U.S. sailor also played Santa Claus and brought cheer to the children during the gift giving held this week.
"Santa Claus continued bringing cheer to the children of the southern Philippines when he was joined by U.S. military members in presenting Christmas gifts to children here," he said.
He said the Santa also made appearances in Zamboanga on Dec. 9 and 10 and would be back again next week in Zamboanga City to visit an orphan house and a popular night market.
Other members of JSOTF-P based in zamboanga city and Manila will be presenting gifts to underprivileged children later this month, he said.
"Those from Zamboanga will continue their relationship with the Reception and Study Center for Children (in Talon-Talon village), while those in Manila will share Christmas spirit with the White Cross Children's Home in San Juan City," Redfield said.
U.S. troops are also advising and assisting Filipino soldiers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines on counter-terrorism activities. (Mindanao Examiner)
1 comment:
better to give than to receive
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