The cash-strapped Philippines hopes the United States will provide high-tech counter-insurgency equipment to help it fight militants linked to Osama bin Laden, officials said yesterday.

"We...are looking forward for equipment such as helicopters and fast patrol boats or craft and other important military ware," said chief Philippine military spokesman Brigadier-General Ediberto Adan.

Critics have cited lack of proper equipment as one of the reasons why the government has not been able to defeat the Abu Sayyaf rebels. The government is struggling to limit spending to keep its target budget deficit on track.

The United States says the rebels have links with the Al Qaeda network of Bin Laden, chief suspect in the September 11 suicide hijacking attacks on the United States.

The Abu Sayyaf says it is fighting for an independent Muslim homeland in the predominately Catholic country's south, but the group pursues kidnap for ransom as its main activity. They use some of the money they raise to buy military equipment.

National Security Adviser Roilo Golez told a gathering in Manila that he hoped the United States might provide the Philippine military with a range of counter-insurgency equipment.

A U.S. military team of 23 specialists arrived in the southern Philippines this week to help the government tackle the rebels who are holding several hostages, including two Americans.

The U.S. team is expected to assess the situation on the ground and draw up a plan for cooperation on training, intelligence, technical assistance and equipment.