The United States promised to help the Philippine government extend socio-economic assistance to Muslim communities in southern Philippines as the six-month war games between the U.S. and Philippine troopers formally opened.

The opening ceremonies of the war games, dubbed as Balikatan 2002 formalised the joint military exercises of 600 U.S. troopers and a larger Philippine contingent against the Abu Sayyaf, a group believed to have links with Osama bin Laden's Al Qaida network. The group also holds two American and one Filipina hostage in Basilan.

Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Diomedio Villanueva formally opened the three-phased military drill that first takes place in Zamboanga City, then in nearby Basilan and in Cebu City.

"We welcome you with open arms. We know we can work together side by side in the fight against terrorism," Southern Command head Lt. Gen. Roy Cimatu told the American soldiers.

"May you impart to our soldiers the needed training for us against present and future terrorism. I know the mutual training will never leave us embattled in the battlefield of challenges," said Cimatu.

"The only apprehension among our local soldiers is that they might run out of English words," said Cimatu, adding: "If the basis of these exercises is for the rescue of the hostages and to get the head of Abu Sabaya, then I will be willing to take all criticism."

"But I do feel downhearted by criticism, knowing that our soldiers have sacrificed a lot in the mountains, staying away from their families. Without U.S. assistance, local troops have rescued 15 out of the 18 hostages, neutralised more than 600 Abu Sayyaf members and recovered about 400 firearms from them since September."

The government launched an assistance programme called 'Gentle Wind', meant to soften the negative effects of militarism in the country's war zone by extending government assistance to the Muslim communities in Basilan.

President Gloria Arroyo sent her cabinet members to attend the opening ceremonies. "Many of those who joined Muslim rebel groups feel they have been forgotten," said Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman.

Muslim and Christian residents were divided on the U.S. presence in the country's war-zone. "The presence of American soldiers might widen the area of conflict," said a woman, who gave her name just as Susan.

"The presence of the American soldiers will weaken the resolve of the hostage takers to continue hiding," said another resident.

About 30,000 people have remained in various rehabilitation centres established for those whose villages were affected when the military pursued the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and in Jolo. "Up to now, we have not received assistance from the government," said a refugee.

Meanwhile, militant groups led by the Movement for National Democracy (KPD) continued holding a peaceful protest rally in front of Manila's U.S. embassy. "We will continue holding rallies until we convince President Arroyo to stop the war games," said KPD head Sonia Sotto.

Senator Rodolfo Biazon, in the meantime, expressed alarm over the recent statement of the U.S. President George W. Bush.

"When he said, 'If you don't want to act, we will', he meant the U.S. would be allowed to act unilaterally if the Armed Forces of the Philippines or the Philippine National Police are not able or not willing to remove the threat (of terrorism)," Biazon explained.

"What is the limit to what (the U.S.) can do? When they are under attack can they just call planes from Guam and bomb Mindanao? I am alarmed by this," asked Biazon, adding Arroyo and the military should clarify the newly drafted guidelines of the war games.

Meanwhile in Manila, National Security Adviser Roilo Golez defended Bush, saying the latter did not refer to the Philippines when he criticised "some governments that are timid" in the U.S.-led war against international terrorists.

The critical Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has backed the war games. A Social Weather Station survey said 84 per cent of Filipinos support U.S. troop deployment in southern Philippines. The Justice Depar-tment said the plan is constitutional.

Also present at the opening ceremony were Defence Secretary Angelo Reyes, U.S. charge d'affaires Robert Fritz, and the two commanders of the Balikatan exercises, Armed Forces Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio and U.S. Brig. Gen. Donald Worster.