US inspects Philippines mission

Joint patrols could be the next step

The Pentagon's second-in-command has arrived in the Philippines on a visit to American troops who are training the local army to combat Islamic rebels.

Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz is due to have talks with Philippine leaders on what is the biggest US troop commitment outside Afghanistan since 11 September.

Wolfowitz said he wanted to see the situation for himself

About 1,000 American troops are in the southern Philippines training local soldiers to combat Abu Sayyaf rebels, which the Bush administration links to the al-Qaeda global militant network.

Mr Wolfowitz hinted that it was likely that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo would ask for the contingent to stay on after its mandate expires in July but stressed that the Americans were only instructors.

"We're not here to do the job ourselves," he said on arrival in Manila. "We are here to help them but not to take over for them."

The US has also provided weapons and other equipment to the Philippine forces in their battle against Abu Sayyaf, who have been holding an American couple hostage since last year.

Mr Wolfowitz said he believed the hunt for the kidnappers was closing in.

Christians on the southern island of Basilan have urged President Arroyo to ask the US to keep its troops on the island after July.

The New Tribes Mission on the island, where kidnapped couple Martin and Gracia Burnham worked, expressed concern that the troops would leave with the couple still in captivity.

On-the-spot help

US troops on Basilan have been training the Philippine army since January in counter-terrorism techniques.

They have also been providing basic services such as transportation and engineering.

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Mr Wolfowitz is due to visit the island on Monday after talks with Philippine Defence Secretary Angelo Reyes.

US media reports have said the Defence Department is considering a recommendation for military advisers to join patrols on Basilan so they may give on-the-spot advice in the pursuit of the rebels.

But the Philippines constitution prohibits foreign forces from engaging in combat within the country.