Japanese troops conduct relief ops

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — A total of 1,200 Japanese military men, headed by Rear Admiral Hisanori Sato, have been conducting disaster relief operations, dubbed "Operation Sangkay (Friend)," in Yolanda-ravaged areas in the Visayas in coordination with Philippine disaster management authorities since Nov. 15.

The Japanese forces were on board the J/S Ise naval ship from Japan that has been anchored, along with two other Japanese vessels, at Leyte Gulf to this day.

Sato and his troops airlifted food packs, bottled water and medicines from Manila to Roxas City in Capiz, Northern Cebu towns and Borongan City, Guiuan town and the islands of Homonhon, Manicani and Suluan in Eastern Samar.

Together with a medical team, the troops also vaccinated a total of 11,000 persons in the towns of Tanauan and MacArthur in Leyte and in Tacloban City.

Medical assistance operations were also conducted in Tacloban City, Tanauan town in Leyte and in the towns of Tabogon and Daanbantayan in Cebu.

Yesterday, the Japanese forces were in Carigara town in Leyte for a mobile medical operations, said Sato, adding that they already conducted fumigation of a total of 62,000 square meters in Tacloban City.

Sato said he wished for the prompt recovery of Yolanda-devastated areas. "We offer deep sympathy for the victims of Yolanda," he told the local media who he treated with a tour of the Japanese combat vessel.

The J/S Ise has the most advanced and sophisticated combat system for anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-aircraft and surface warfare, with superior helicopter operating capability. — (FREEMAN)