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Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Joint US-RP exercises proceed despite Sulu clash
By Bong Garcia
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A ranking official of American forces based in Zamboanga City said the clash between Filipino soldiers and Moro rebels would not in any way affect the conduct of the joint US-RP exercises dubbed the Balikatan 2007 in Sulu.
Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) information officer John Redfield said all the activities set to be undertaken in Sulu, where Filipino troops are pursuing local and foreign terrorists, will continue as scheduled.
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Redfield said the scheduled Medical, Dental and Civic Action Program (Medcap) this coming Saturday in the town of Indanan will push through after they shall have thoroughly evaluated the situation in the area.
Thirteen Filipino troops were wounded when they engaged Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members in a firefight in Sulu.
The military said the clash occurred because troops were pursuing al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf members near the rebel area last Sunday in Barangay Marang, Indanan.
Redfield disclosed that the scheduled Medcap would be held in Barangay Bato-Bato, Indanan, where US troops are undertaking a road construction project.
Once the project is completed, the road will link the barangays of Bato-Bato and Buansa.
Tight security will be implemented for the duration of Medcap. A battalion of Filipino troops had been tasked to provide security to US troops undertaking the projects.
Redfield said last Sunday's clash was not sufficient reason to stop the scheduled activities in the town of Indanan.
Some 390 US servicemen are in Sulu participating in Balikatan 2007 that officially started last February 19. The humanitarian mission, a component of the joint exercises, would end on March 4.
Aside from the road construction and medical missions, US forces are undertaking repairs of schools and hospitals.
Thousands of Filipino troops have been pursuing al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf militants believed giving shelter to Jemaah Islamiya terrorists Umar Patek and Dulmatin in the island province of Sulu. (Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Pangasinan. (February 28, 2007 issue)
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