Articles from the author

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 Philippines and the United States have scheduled 15 more war-games which could be extended up to 12 months, instead of the six-month period planned earlier.

Three American soldiers were confirmed killed and four are still missing when an army helicopter, carrying 10 crew, crashed early yesterday in the sea off central Philippines, the military said.

Most of the 1,000 U.S. troops provided training and advice for Filipino soldiers will leave the country today amid protest rallies and accusations of human rights violations, following reports that an American soldier shot a suspected Abu Sayyaf member last week.

Ghalib Andang also known as Commander Robot, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf, who planned to surrender to help President Estrada at his trial, has decided against doing so.

The Abu Sayyaf rebels released three hostages yesterday as "a goodwill gesture" amid growing concern over unverified claims of a private cash-for-freedom ransom deal.

The Philippine hostage crisis deepened yesterday with the Abu Sayyaf claiming to have beheaded three soldiers and taken four more hostages from Basilan even as the U.S. missionary held by the rebels was reportedly wounded in a gunbattle.

The Abu Sayyaf has released three hostages, one of them was identified as Luis Bautista who was taken in Dos Palmas resort in Palawan, southwestern Philippines on May 27, a source said.

Four hostages escaped in the dead of night as the Abu Sayyaf laid siege to Lamitan town, Basilan province in southern Philippines and herded another 200 people captive.

Of the four hostages who escaped as the Abu Sayyaf stormed Lamitan town in Basilan province early yesterday and held an estimated 200 people captive, three arrived in Manila to a warm Presidential welcome.

A joint police and military operation has led to the capture of Abu Sayyaf leader Nadzmie Sabdulla, also known as "Commander Global", and three of his aides.

Security forces intensified a crackdown on members of the Abu Sayyaf and their sympathisers, said a senior official, who reaffirmed the government is intent on rescuing 21 hostages and arresting the kidnappers.