Mussomeli to Pinoy troops: War on terror far from over

ISABELA CITY, Basilan — US Embassy deputy chief of mission Joseph Mussomeli called for vigilance against terrorism in the Southern Philippines as he warned against the spread of armed Islamic extremism.

Mussomeli told Filipino and American troops during the closing ceremonies of the RP-US Balance Piston 05-3 counter-terrorism exercise yesterday to stay focused on the war against terror, saying the struggle is "far from over."

Mussomeli said allies must fulfill their official commitments of development aid to Mindanao, which Washington and regional intelligence agencies now considers a key training base for the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).

Failing these, "we will lose this war," Mussomeli said in a speech before 200 Filipino and US soldiers who completed a short anti-terrorist training course.

Mussomeli told the participants that both US and the Philippine military forces have not yet won the war against injustice, violence and terrorism.

"The struggle is really far from over if we get distracted and lose focus on what needs to be done," he said.

Mussomeli arrived here with his wife, Sharon, accompanied by ranking officials of the US military led by Brig. Gen. James Kennon.

Armed Forces Southern Command chief Lt. Gen. Alberto Braganza represented the Philippine military delegation in the joint exercises.

RP-US Balance Piston 05-3 exercise was held in this island province, previously known as a stronghold of the extremist Abu Sayyaf.

The Abu Sayyaf gained international notoriety by kidnapping foreigners in the Southern Philippines since 2000.

The bandit group killed two Americans during a year-long hostage crisis in the southern Philippines that ended with the rescue of missionary Gracia Burnham in June 2002.

Mussomeli said the purpose of the Balance Piston exercise is for the US and Philippine governments to work together to create a safer and more secure environment.

The US official underscored the achievements made and the progress of Basilan after years of battling Abu Sayyaf rebels through the counter-terrorism exercise. "We will win this war by winning the peace. "So we must remain vigilant and committed."

Mussomeli said the just concluded military exercise formed a strong bond of friendship for the Americans and Filipino troops that will continue long after the training.

"I hope you will remember this friendship and experiences and use them to make better the relationship between our two nations," Mussomeli said.

Braganza, for his part, reminded the troops to utilize what they have learned from the exercise, not only to protect themselves, "but to win the peace."

Braganza lauded the participants for the successful completion of the training exercise that also highlighted medical and humanitarian missions to remote barangays in the province.

Mussomeli made his first public appearance here after provoking a diplomatic protest earlier with comments comparing Mindanao to Afghanistan. He had warned of the flow of foreign militants to Mindanao, claiming it could become the "Mecca of terrorism."

His remarks unleashed a flurry of condemnation from politicians and militant groups, some of whom called for his expulsion from the country.

But Mussomeli refused to apologize, saying he had not criticized the Philippine government or Filipinos in his comments during a recent televised interview with Australia’s SBS network. — With AFP