Protesters have been preparing anti-U.S. rallies nationwide prior to the opening of the Philippine-U.S. wargames tomorrow even as more war supplies were delivered to the southern Philippines.

"It is normal for American soldiers to be the targets of the New People's Army (NPA)," said leftist Congressman Satur Ocampo.

National Security Council (NSC) head Roilo Golez asked the Communist Party of the Philippines and its military arm, the NPA, to stop issuing alarming statements.

"Thousands of students in Metro Manila will march today to the U.S. embassy to register once again their mounting protest against any form of U.S. military presence in the country," the Patriotic Youth Group said.

"The new military deal clinched by President Gloria Arroyo and U.S. President Bush opens the possibility for deeper American armed intervention not only in Mindanao but throughout the country as well," said Patriotic Secretary General Eleanor de Guzman.

Leftist leaders asked the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to rethink its position on the war games and the U.S. presence in the country.

Adds Al Jacinto in Zamboanga: Unmindful of the negative reactions to the expanded wargames, Major Cynthia Teramae, Director of U.S. Public Affairs Special Operations Command Pacific, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome and hospitality of our hosts. We are very proud to be chosen as the unit that will help support the joint agreement that was set forth in the meeting between our two Presidents (George Bush and Gloria Arroyo) last November."

A U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane from Kadena air base in Okinawa, Japan arrived in Zamboanga City, bringing more equipment and troops for the opening of the stalled joint RP-U.S. war games.

The head of the U.S. forces Brig. Gen. Donald Wurster also arrived later and met senior Philippine security officials led by Lt. Gen. Roy Cimatu.

Adds Malou Talosig in Manila: Various reasons were given for the delay in the opening of the war games. The rules of engagement were amended and caused the postponement of the kick-off ceremonies of the wargames, said National Security Adviser Roilo Golez.

"The technical working group agreed to have some modifications (on the terms of reference) but the technical working group does not have the authority to approve the modifications. So they have to be referred to the higher level," Golez said, adding the approval would be given in a few days.

Discussed were the extent of training of the Americans in the battle zone in Basilan, whether they should carry firearms while conducting training in the battlezone, or fire upon the Abu Sayyaf if attacked, sources said.

Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Diomedio Villanueva and U.S. Pacific Command chief Admiral Dennis Blair will approve these terms of reference.

The "last-minute terms of reference" were sent for review to the legal team in Hawaii, said U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Robert Fitts.