THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday it is no need to improve security for United States forces stationed in Sulu Province.

AFP public affairs officer Ernesto Torres issued the statement following last Tuesday's "unfortunate" ambush on the Americans in the town of Parang in the company of Philippine Marine soldiers.

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Torres said the Americans are properly secured as evidenced by the ambush at the village of Pasil by still unidentified men who could be members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group.

The American soldiers were with Filipino troops conducting a survey for an upcoming joint civil military or construction project in the remote area when they were fired upon by undetermined number of men.

According to Torres, the US and Filipino troops were on a convoy, including an American Humvee vehicle and a V-150 tank, when they briefly fired upon. He said the convoy fired back at the armed men who retreated with no casualties reported on both sides.

"If you look at the composition of the convoy, I believe the necessary precautionary measure was taken because we have our V-150, we have an M35 with soldiers, the Humvee, and other vehicles," he said.

"It was just very unfortunate that some unidentified armed group fired upon the convoy. It seems as if it was just mean to harass the convoy," added Torres.

The military official could not say how many Americans were at the convoy. On whether the Americans also fired at the armed men, he said: "Well, I guess so... The group fired back at the ambushers and the ambushers immediately went away."

Scores of Americans are currently in Sulu, training and advising Filipino forces in the ongoing fight against the terrorists in the South. They are also helping in gather intelligence and at the same time involved in the construction of humanitarian projects in some areas. (VR/Sunnex)

For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Zamboanga.

(November 22, 2008 issue)
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