The Philippine military yesterday said it is ready to secure American servicemen from attacks by communist guerrillas, following warnings by the New People's Army (NPA) that they can respond to any acts against them by U.S. troops.

"We are giving the Americans assurance that the NPA cannot touch them," Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Edilberto Adan told reporters in Manila yesterday.

Adan issued the statement as American troops continued to arrive in batches in Zamboanga City to take part in a six-month military exercise with local troops dubbed as "Freedom Eagle."

Aside from Zamboanga City, in southern Philippines, American troops will also be deployed in parts of central and northern Philippines where the NPA, the armed-wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), is active.

The U.S. troops will be deployed for the first time in actual combat areas in the south, particularly in Basilan where the Abu Sayyaf is holding two American hostages and a Filipina nurse for more than seven months.