Manila, Philippines — U.S. soldiers scouted out locations Thursday on Basilan island to train Filipino troops battling Muslim guerrillas, as the government pledged to go ahead with the military cooperation despite rising opposition.
Presidential spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao suggested, however, that the government might consider reducing the number of American troops taking part in planned exercises, which would send armed U.S. soldiers into combat zones.
Some seven American soldiers flew Thursday to the war-ravaged island, as Washington extended its war against terrorism to the southern Philippines.
About 660 U.S. troops, including 160 U.S. Army Special Forces, are to arrive in small numbers in coming weeks to train Filipino soldiers battling Abu Sayyaf, a militant group that has been linked to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida network. It has about 800 fighters on two southern islands and is now holding three hostages, including Martin and Gracia Burnham of Wichita, Kan.
In Washington, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said Wednesday that up to 250 Americans were already on the ground in the Philippines and most will participate in a two-and-a-half week joint exercise with Filipino forces.
Secretary of State Colin Powell said the mission was not a prelude to an American combat role in the Philippines.
"There is no intention for them (U.S. troops) to become active combatants. They are trainers. That's what the Philippines asked for and that's what we provided." Powell told ABC's "Good Morning America" on Thursday.
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