AIR traffic involving US military planes are expected to increase within the next two weeks from and to Zamboanga City, a US military official said Sunday.

Lieutenant Senior Grade Theresa Donnelly, Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) deputy public affairs officer, explained that C-17 military aircrafts are flying in and out of the city to fetch the soldiers from the 97th Civil Affairs Battalion.

"The Manny Pacquiao Blog". Click here for stories and updates on the Filipino boxing champ.

Donnelly said that the troops, who are based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, are returning home after a nine-month temporary tour of duty in the Philippines.

New civil affairs' troops will be flown in as the 97th Civil Affairs Battalion personnel are being flown out of the city, Donnelly said.

The civil affairs' troops were assigned to the JSOTF-P and have assisted the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and local government units (LGUs) in undertaking humanitarian works.

They have helped construct 41 schools, water wells, roads, and buildings for the LGUs and other infrastructure projects in Central Mindanao and Sulu provinces.

They also repaired and renovated several dilapidated schools and other infrastructures.

The US civil affair's troops also conducted 68 medical and dental civic action programs, providing free medical and dental care to thousands of Filipinos.

"It's been a pleasure and honor serving the land of my birth. I wish all our Filipino friends a better and more peaceful future," 97th Civil Affairs Battalion commander Maj. Matt Marbella said.

Marbella also greeted in advance Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to all the folks they have served during their nine-month stint in Mindanao.

"I am so proud of these soldiers for their outstanding efforts supporting the AFP with development projects and training. They have been working non-stop to assist the AFP, making a difference in the community and contributing to peace and development in Mindanao," JSOTF-P commander Col. William Coultrup said.

"Although the personnel may be changing out, our mission to support the AFP with information sharing, capacity building and civil-military operations remains the same," Coultrup added. (Bong Garcia)