A senior official said that a visiting American congressman appeared satisfied with the army's performance in the Mindanao hostage crisis.

The government has underlined the loss of 43 officers and enlisted personnel in the seven-month long rescue operation for the three remaining hostages of the Abu Sayyaf, said a senior official.

"It was our impression that Congressman Todd Tiahrt was satisfied with the government's explanation, especially when he was told about the number of those killed in the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf," said Press Undersecretary, Bobby Capco.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Tiahrt had dinner on January 1.

Capco did not give details, such as Arroyo's response to Tiahrt's call for armed U.S. military men to be used in operation to rescue U.S. missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham, and Filipina nurse Dorothy Yap.

"The purpose of the meeting was to assure the U.S. Congressman that the Philippines government is on top of the situation," said Capco, adding Arroyo told the latter "we are doing everything within our means and limitations to ensure the safe rescue of the two American hostages."

The delivery of high-end equipment from the U.S. is "on track", said Capco, adding the American trainers and advisers are due on January 15.