Ermita sees more US aid to RP

The United States is likely to increase aid to the Philippine military after its success against the Abu Sayyaf terror group, which recently lost two of its top leaders, Malacañang said yesterday.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said US officials he spoke with last week were "really very happy" over the news confirming the deaths of Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khaddafy Janjalani and spokesman Abu Solaiman.

Ermita said the assistance of the US government for training and assistanc to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to contain the Abu Sayyaf has paid off with the deaths of its top leaders.

"These victories that we have against terrorist groups, especially those that are associated with Al-Qaeda like the Abu Sayyaf, will enhance whatever assistance the US will give the Philippines because they can see that their assistance is not coming to naught. They can see that there are results," he said.

He said the successes against the Abu Sayyaf "is the appropriate time" for the US "to push for more assistance" for an ally like the Philippines to ensure security and stability in the region.

In 2001, US President George W. Bush announced a $100-million military assistance package to the Philippines that included the delivery of helicopters, trucks and rifles.

Washington had also undertaken the formation and training of Light Reaction Companies in the AFP as a counter-terrorism unit.

Ermita noted the annual RP-US joint Balikatan exercises, along with the smaller training programs, has allowed Filipino troops to improve their operations against the Abu Sayyaf.