JOLO, Republic of the Philippines -- Emergency medical care capabilities have increased on this island in the southern Philippines, with the recent donation of three ambulances that were helped on their journey by the U.S. Navy's Project Handclasp.

The USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) last week transported a total of five ambulances from Subic Bay to the southern port city of Zamboanga. From there, a Philippine cargo ship brought three of them here. One of the remaining ambulances was donated to the Zamboanga Fire Departmet; another went to a clinic on the island of Tawi Tawi. The emergency vehicles had been shipped from the United States to Manila by the 3P (the Promotion of Peace and Prosperity in the Philippines) Foundation USA.

"I'm a firm believer that the private sector has to do its part in the war on terror," said Armando "Andy" de Rossi, an Italian-born philanthropist and co-founder of 3P. "We are here jointly, with the U.S. military, to promote peace, prosperity, democracy and freedom."

The ambulances were donated to the local Red Cross, the Jolo Rescue Network and a military hospital here.

Mr. John Schuck III, a member of the Jolo Rescue Network, said the ambulances have the potential to save lives. "Every second in a patient's life counts. Through an ambulance, we can transport a patient fast and safe."

Mr. de Rossi said 3P is working with the U.S. embassy in Manila to distribute nine more ambulances which are in the country, adding that he expects to bring more. These are "coming from the heart of your brothers in the U.S.A. to our brothers in the Philippines, whom we love so much."

The U.S. military's partnership with the 3P Foundation continued in the form of the Humanitarian Assistance Program - Excess Property, or HAP-EP. About $80,000 in medical supplies were also delivered last week by the USS Harpers Ferry under the HAP-EP program. When the U.S. military has excess supplies no longer being used, they can be given to nongovernmental organizations, such as 3P. These medical supplies will be distributed throughout the Philippines.

The U.S. Navy's Project Handclasp allows property of a nongovernmental organization to be transported on board ships as space allows. The program is a one-of-a-kind partnership of military, government and private sector entities and involves U.S. theater commanders, U.S. Navy operational commanders, U.S. embassies and the units of U.S. sea services.