Defense chief: No need for more US troops

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz said here yesterday he saw no need to request additional US troops to help the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) fight terrorism.

Cruz said a package of US financial aid was more important at this time.

"What is important to us is additional US resources to support our campaign in the soft approach to waging the fight against terrorism," Cruz told reporters during his visit here.

Cruz said they need extra funding to finance the construction of roads, bridges, schools, medical facilities and other projects to win hearts and minds against terrorists.

Dozens of US troops under the Joint Special Operation Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) are still in Zamboanga and Sulu and are conducting a humanitarian mission under the Bayanihan exercise.

The JSOTF is considered the new US strategy toward fighting terrorism in various parts of the world. The JSOTF is composed of US marines, Air Force, Navy, Army and Special Forces, all under the US Pacific Command.

The contingent under the JSOTF will not focus only on civil-military operations but more on accomplishing its mission of implementing Bayanihan activities like medical missions, construction of roads, bridges and water wells and the renovation of hospitals.

The mission changes personnel every six months and has no intention to set up a permanent base in Southern Mindanao, he added.

Cruz came here for a visit to discuss the ongoing implementation of the US-backed Philippines Defense Reform Program (PDRP) with military ground commanders.

While Cruz brushed aside the need for additional US soldiers, members of the defense department appreciated the participation of more American troops in Mindanao because of their active involvement in the Security Engagement Board under the PDRP.

The Security Engagement Board is in charge of addressing non-traditional threats like terrorism and counter-insurgency through joint exercises, training and humanitarian mission such the Balikatan where the US military deploys hundreds of its soldiers in Southern Philippines.

"What we want to concentrate on is how to encourage the US to take part in the social-economic activities that will help the people of Sulu," Cruz said.

He said that for as long as RP soldiers are succeeding in quashing terrorists here, there would be no need to ask for more US soldiers.

"As we go stronger — the less we will need help. Habang nagpapalakas tayo, kailangan natin ng tulong for the gaps. There may be time kapag fully standing on our feet na tayo less na ang kailangan nating tulong," he said.

Meanwhile, Cruz also said that he would push for expansion of the tour of duty of military area commanders under the PDRP.

Cruz’s plan is part of the DND program to expand the terms of the AFP chief of staff.

The DND is also proposing to increase the term of office for the AFP vice chief of staff, deputy chief and the service commanders.