Development for Peace in Sulu

Asia America Initiative Director Al Santoli recently visited the Philippines to advance the AAI’s medical aid component of the Development for Peace in Sulu program. The program focuses on front-line communities plagued by terrorism and religious-based conflicts. Mr. Santoli delivered emergency medical supplies worth over $1.7 million to war-torn central Mindanao and to the Sulu archipelago. The Initiative’s efforts were widely covered by Philippine television, radio and print media.

The insurgency continues in Pikit, Central Mindanao ans has displayed between 250,000 - 300,000 people. The refugees live in makeshift shelters and are in great need of proper medical aid.

The Center for Christian, Muslim and Hill Tribe Peace and Cooperation near Davao, Eastern Mindanao. A portion of the third shipment of medical supplies were distributed to this area.

The third shipment of medical supplies, worth $1.7 million, were delivered to the Philippines as part of the Asia America Initiative's DPIS medical aid program.

Al Santoli delivering medicines to Dr. Parouk Hussin, Governor of the ARMM (Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao). The DPIS program is run in close coopeartion with the Governor and regional community leaders.

Donated medicines are stored at the Department of National Defense in Manila. The DPIS is run under the authority of Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Al Santoli speaks at a press conference in Mindanao. Numerous media groups, including the country's two largest newspapers, covered the event. Read the May 14, 2003 Philippine Inquirer and May 17, 2003 Manila Bulletin articles.

Al Santoli presenting medical supplies to tribal leaders in Davao, Philippines.

Presentation of medical supplies delivered to the Center for Christian, Muslim and Hill Tribe Peace and Cooperation in Mindanao.

Al Santoli delivers badly needed medicines to the Center for United Muslims, Christians and Hill Tribes for Peace, Progress and Development in Mindanao, Philippines. The group gathered includes local community leaders who have fought against each other in the past.