The United States military forces in Mindanao have provided the people of Sulu various humanitarian aid worth $12,704,709 (about P583 million) since 2006.

This was learned from the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Western Mindanao Command's (Wesmincom) 4th Civil Relations Group, Civil Relations Service, at Camp Basilio Navarro in Calarian, Zamboanga City.

Wesmincom chief Major Gen. Benjamin Muhammad D. Dolorfino said the US military assistance consisted of humanitarian projects and medical civic action for the people of the poverty-stricken province.

Air Force Lt. Colonel Gamal S. Hayudini sent an e-mail message citing Dolorfino's continuing dialogue with the people in Sulu.
Earlier in a text message, Dolorfino asked for "a wider understanding from our brothers and sisters" in the wake of the AFP's Eid'l Fitr Day air and artillery action in Indanan, Sulu.

"Their Armed Forces will always be there to serve and protect their interests no matter what the cost is. They must always discern good from evil," he said.

"The Shari'ah (Islamic Law) provides that protection of life takes precedence over other necessities and considerations," Dolorfino, a Muslim, said.

Dolorfino cited the $12,407,709 figure during a forum with non-government and civil society organizations in Sulu at the Humanitarian Aid Coordinating Center (HACC), Camp Bautista, Bus-Bus, Jolo.

He appealed to forum participants to work together as partners of the AFP since the problem in Sulu is everyone's concern.

The forum's highlight was the presentation of many infrastructure projects in Sulu's various municipalities which the AFP and US Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF)-Philippines are implementing.

Dolorfino was keynote speaker, with Brig. Gen. Rustico O. Guerrero, chief of the Joint Task Force Comet, also taking part.

Amid what the AFP-Wesmincom said was a series of disinformation being dished out by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other criminal elements, Guerrero stressed the need for "truthful public information" so as not to mislead or agitate the people and put fears in their hearts.

Dolorfino took the opportunity to dwell on the nature of internal security problems and the need to address the root causes through a "whole society approach."