Arroyo Approves Philippine-US Joint War Game on Southern Island

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, February 17, 2003

Arroyo Approves Philippine-US Joint War Game on Southern Island

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Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has approved the plan to hold a Philippine-US joint military exercise in the southern island province of Sulu, a lair of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group, the presidential spokesman said Monday.

"Upon the recommendation of the secretaries of foreign affairs and national defense, the president today approved the holding of Balikatan (Shoulder to Shoulder) 03-1 in Sulu," the presidential palace quoted presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye as saying in a statement released on Monday.

As in the Balikatan exercise held last year in Basilan, another Abu Sayyaf lair not far from Sulu, Bunye said,"The exercise will form part of the country's overall and ongoing defense and security cooperation activities with the United States, which continue to focus on increasing our ability to protect ourselves against terrorist threats."

The specific number of American soldiers and support troops and the duration of the war game will still be determined by the Philippine government in consultation with the United States, Bunye said.

As in the previous Balikatan, the introduction of civic humanitarian projects, especially in the field of basic health services, will be a significant component of the exercise.

"It is widely acknowledged that the training, advice and assistance we received in Basilan were critic factors that led to the defeat of the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and the restoration of order and the full reestablishment of government service in the province," Bunye said.

The 6-month Balikatan 02-1 held in the southern Philippines last year was concluded with achievements including the successfulrecovery of an American hostage, and the killing of Abu Sabaya, spokesman and a key leader of the notorious kidnap-for-ransom group.

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