"We would like to thank you for your role in the region in the fight against terrorism. President George Bush has expressed the importance of collective efforts against the global threat of terrorism," Ambassador Henry Crumpton, Washington’s coordinator for counterterrorism, told President Arroyo during a private meeting at Malacañang.
Crumpton was accompanied to the Palace by US Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires Paul Jones and other US officials.
"The general message of the meeting is that we value the relationship with the President and the (Philippine) government and our cooperation in the fight against terrorism," Press Attaché Matthew Lussenhop told The STAR.
Mrs. Arroyo assured the US delegation of her administration’s support for Washington’s global campaign against terrorism.
Malacañang has been pushing Congress to pass an anti-terrorism law but political bickering between the administration and the opposition has slowed down work on a number of bills.
"We are determined to get it through. It’s our priority now since we have finished our economic reforms. We will do anything to have it passed. You can count on us in supporting all your initiatives," Mrs. Arroyo told the US officials.
Mrs. Arroyo also said the passage of the anti-money laundering law in 2003 has drastically reduced the flow of funding to terrorist organizations.
The Philippines is working closely with neighbors Indonesia and Malaysia in fighting terrorism, she added.
An official press statement from Malacañang said the US had reaffirmed its support for the embattled President.
"We very much support your leadership and the country," the statement quoted Jones as telling the President.
Lussenhop said they would neither confirm nor deny "line by line" statements made during the private meeting.
The meeting was held as thousands of protesters were marching from different points toward Malacañang pressing for Mrs. Arroyo’s ouster.
Thousands of anti-riot police and soldiers blocked their march a few kilometers away from the Palace as the Presidential Security Group went on high alert against possible violence.
Since the start of the latest political crisis, Washington has maintained its support for the Arroyo administration but has made it clear that the support is not necessarily for personalities but for institutions.
The US has rejected extra-constitutional methods of regime change including people power or a military coup and the installation of a junta. It has also warned against the use of violence or martial law to deal with the political crisis.
Washington stayed out of the impeachment process. US officials have said they will continue recognizing Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the duly elected President unless proven otherwise.
Other US officials at the meeting yesterday were Paul O’Friel of the political section and Bruce Stewart, counselor for regional affairs.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Assistant Secretary Ariel Abadilla and Director Ma. Josefina Ceballos of the Office of American Affairs represented the Philippine government.
The Arroyo administration stepped up its anti-terrorism efforts after it was stung by recent criticism that it was Southeast Asia’s weakest link in the US-led global anti-terror campaign.
The threat of terrorism took on greater urgency earlier this month when three suicide bombers killed 26 people — mostly foreign tourists — in Bali, Indonesia.
The Philippines is negotiating a defense accord with Australia that will allow Australian troops to train Philippine soldiers in counter-terrorism.
Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz said the Philippines plans to open its doors to allow its neighbors’ military forces to train with Philippine troops.
The Philippine Constitution prohibits foreign troops from the country unless their presence is covered by a treaty, and bars them from combat.
Washington, which deploys thousands of troops for joint training in the Philippines each year, has a defense treaty with Manila, but Australia does not. — Paolo Romero