Australia helps AFP treat combat casualties

MANILA, Philippines - Australian Embassy Defence Attaché Capt. Vic Jones, RAN (center) hands over to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Surgeon General BGen. Joselito Castro (left) and Philippine Army Chief Surgeon Col. Commie Pagunuran one of six ‘Thomas’ Aero-Medical Packs at AFP Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo. The medical packs to be distributed to AFP medical units conducting operations across the country contain specialized medical equipment used to stabilize and treat combat casualties, along with IV fluids and drugs necessary in the care of critically ill or injured patients. The donation is part of Australia’s Defense Cooperation Program to strengthen the Philippines’ capacity to counter national and regional security threats. Australia is the Philippines’ second largest counter-terrorism and defense cooperation partner. In 2009-10, the Defense Cooperation Program is worth approximately P240 million.