The Philippines and the United States have scheduled 15 more war-games which could be extended up to 12 months, instead of the six-month period planned earlier.

The joint exercise, to start on February 15 was only one of 16 or so planned for this year.
"We have already planned Balikatan 2, 3 and 4 for this year," said U.S. charge d'affaires Robert Fitts.

The exercises will "help eliminate the terrorist parasites who threaten Filipinos as well as the United States", said Fitts, adding the Filipino people should not cast doubts on America's motives, because the U.S. forces would only "train, assist and advise our allies and our friends".

Fitts said the joint-exercise was America's response to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's desire to help in the world-wide campaign against terrorism.

President Arroyo, meanwhile, reiterated she would stand beside the United States as a partner in the global war against terrorism.

In a speech before American businessmen attending the 'Investment Forum' sponsored by the Credit Suisse First Boston at the Regis Hotel, Arroyo said: "The anti-terrorism partnership will continue until the whole world is secure against terrorists."

Arroyo was among the first to declare strong support to the U.S.-led international coalition against terrorism following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S.

Right after the attacks on New York and Washington, Arroyo phoned U.S. President George W. Bush expressing her desire to help against followers of Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden.

Bin Laden is believed to have links with the Abu Sayyaf, which is holding one Filipino and two Americans hostage in Basilan.

Southern Command Chief Lt. Gen. Roy Cimatu, meanwhile, said he would have the upper hand in decisions concerning military operations, adding Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio and Balikatan training co-director Brig. Gen. Donald Wurster would take charge of the training exercises.

Villanueva, however, said the training modules would still depend on the assessments to be made by U.S. trainers.

"Trainers have to be familiar with the area of operation on the ground in order for them to be able to suggest or recommend the appropriate training modules," said Diomedia Villanueva.

Copies of the ground rules for participating US forces and their Philippine counterparts were still being finalised, said Maj. Cynthia Terramae, chief of the U.S. Pacific Special Operations Command.

Filipino officers said the U.S. soldiers will mainly train the local troops on helicopter night flying and in other tactics involving sophisticated equipment. But some Special Forces may accompany Filipino soldiers into combat zones and are authorised to shoot in self-defence, said a draft of the guidelines which was given to Senator Rodolfo Biazon.

Adds Raffy Jimenez: The Philippine Army unveiled yesterday new weapons in the fight against the Abu Sayyaf, including unmanned surveillance planes, said army spokesperson Lt Col Jose Mabanta Jr.

More than 100 U.S. soldiers are already in Zamboanga. Some 500 more, including Special Forces, are to arrive in coming weeks.

Retired general Eduardo Ermita, presidential adviser on the peace process said: "We advise the MILF, MNLF and NPAs that if they have forces in Basilan to stay away and not get involved in case the military troops are pursuing Abu Sayyaf terrorists."