President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has emerged as a strong rallying point of the United States.

With two new allies like Singapore and Thailand, many said she might succeed in her effort to make the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) come up with a statement against terrorism next month.

"She might fail in her effort to bring Malaysia and Indonesia to forge a declaration against terrorism which could zero in on many hardline groups in those countries. This is the reason why she turned to Singapore and Thailand, who were very accommodating," said an analyst, who requested anonymity.

"Singapore and Thailand are the most likely allies in the region, on an issue inextricably intertwined with the U.S.," said the same analyst.

Singapore is composed mostly of ethnic Chinese. It has a small hardline group in its population. It has no natural resources. Its economy is run by export and free trade, which is dependent on developed countries that are now at war against Afghanistan.

Thailand has a monarchial system, but it has a long history of accommodation, the reason why it has never suffered subjugation and war.

Earlier, Vice President and foreign secretary, Teofisto Guingona, said Arroyo's effort will centre on luring Indonesia and Malaysia to forge a stance against terrorism.

"But Malaysia's Prime Minister Mohammad Mahathir has refused to give an all out support for the U.S. and British air raids in Afghanistan," said Guingona.

Indonesia and Malaysia must do balancing acts because of the stronger presence of hardliners in their respective countries, preventing them from coming up with an all out war against terrorism.

"The Philippines is biting the bullet, by allowing the U.S. to help its Armed Forces to fight the hostage-taking Abu Sayyaf Group in southern Philippines," said the analyst, adding: "It is also a sign that the Philippines is sure to forge a peace settlement with the formerly separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and it wants to end its problem with the Abu Sayyaf for a comprehensive peace in Mindanao".

The Philippines has remained a U.S. ally in the region even if the Philippine Senate has disapproved the U.S.-proposed 10 year extension of the defunct Military Bases Agreement in 1991. The two countries have a Mutual Defence Treaty.