US forces has new commander in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY — A new elite US Special Forces official formally took over as commander of the Joint Special Operation Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P).

Col. David Maxwell assumed the post yesterday from Col. James Linder, who had served for a over a year in the South, helping the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) battle the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).

Linder said Sulu has the potential to expand and grow and the natives have decided to be part of that development.

According to Linder, after over a year of rallying residents against terrorism, he had seen "true change" in the island. The people, he said, are now cooperating with the AFP.

He said systems were in place for ensuring that there is an atmosphere suited for development, with Filipino and US soldiers working side by side to build schools and centers and with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) donating computers to schools in support of the literacy program.

"I have seen the smiling faces of those children. I have seen the AFP as part of the community doing the right thing as the big brother of the people, supporting and enhancing security," Linder said.

"I have seen great hopes, and I think there is great promise in that island," he added.

Maxwell, for his part, vowed to continue building a climate of peace and development in the area that was set by his predecessor.

Maxwell is not new to the situation in Sulu, however, as he wasthe ground commander of the Special Forces who trained the Filipino troops in anti-terror and development strategy during the Balikatan 02-1 held in Basilan province four years ago.

His leadership helped the military flush out the Abu Sayyaf leadership in Basilan, led by Khadaffi Janjalani, at the height of the Dos Palmas kidnapping where three Americans were among the hostages.

A new batch of US troops, numbering more than 100, arrived last week to replace theAmerican servicemen who have completed their tour of duty.