Philippines opens its ports to U.S. military

Protesters rally outside the U.S embassy in Manila to show their grief for the victims in the attacks

By Rufi Vigilar

MANILA, Philippines (CNN) -- The Philippine government will allow U.S. military vessels free access to its ports, supporting America's campaign against terrorism after last week's attacks on New York and Washington.

In a National Security Council meeting Tuesday, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said that the Philippines has an international commitment, citing that citizens from 35 countries were affected by the attacks.

House Speaker Jose de Venecia said the Philippines should be ready to welcome any request of the U.S. to use Philippine ports for refueling or the transit of American citizens from neighboring countries, even if this was a "remote possibility".

Ports open to U.S. vessels will include those in former U.S. military bases in Clark and Subic.

De Venecia also proposed during the meeting to initiate a regional Anti-Terrorist Coalition which will include Malaysia and Indonesia.

President Arroyo has pledged "full support" for the U.S.-led campaign to combat terrorism worldwide and has not ruled out the deployment of armed Philippine troops.

Arroyo said, however, that Congress will have the final say on such a proposal.

National Security Adviser Roilo Golez cited that "this is not just America's war", but added that "our soldiers may not be fit for that kind of warfare."

A Mutual Defense Treaty binds the Philippines and the United States, but Philippine senators, retired military officers, and militant groups have cautioned the government against deploying armed troops.

Hostage crisis

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Government critics say an unresolved hostage crisis and economic hurdles should limit Philippine support for America's anti-terrorism campaign.

Senator Rodolfo Biazon, a former Armed Forces chief, said the government should first use its resources to solve its own terrorist problem in the south.

Abu Sayyaf guerrillas still hold 18 hostages, including an American missionary couple, from three abductions staged since May 27.

The Muslim separatist group has beheaded 10 hostages and claims an American tourist has suffered the same fate though his body has not been found.

Military intelligence say Abu Sayyaf members had trained under Osama bin Laden who reportedly visited the country in 1995.

Bin Laden currently lives in Afghanistan and has been identified as the prime suspect by the U.S. in the attacks.

President Arroyo has approved the creation of a counter-terrorist committee under the national police, which would relay intelligence information on terrorist activities in the Philippines to the U.S.

Economic bind

Arroyo (R): Criticized for not finding a solution to the terrorism problem in the nation's south

Economic managers, on the other hand, favored unstinting support for any U.S. request for assistance.

Besides citing the country's international commitment, Finance Secretary Antonio Camacho expressed worry that any hesitation could jeopardize the Philippines' loans with the World Bank on which the U.S. has great influence.

Camacho said that the country's growth targets may be affected this year by the U.S. economic slowdown which could be aggravated by war expenses and its restoration efforts in the wake of terrorist attacks.

The possible evacuation of more than one million Filipino workers in the Middle East will also likely increase unemployment in the country, Camacho said.

Remittances from Filipino workers overseas, which helped prop up the economy during the Asian financial crisis in 1997, would also be reduced and affect the country's foreign reserves.