RP tightens security for Blair's visit

RP tightens security for Blair's visit

PHILIPPINES: The military tightened security on Sunday in the strife-torn island-province of Basilan and placed troops on alert for a visit by Adm. Dennis Blair, commander-in-chief of the U.S. Pacific Command.

Blair arrived in Manila and will fly south on Monday to meet with Philippine military officials, including Southern Command chief Lt. Gen. Roy Cimatu in Zamboanga, said U.S. military spokeswoman Maj. Cynthia Teramae.

Blair, who retires from his post May 2, is also expected to visit American forces stationed on nearby Basilan, said Philippine Col. Alexander Aleo.

Blair will visit Americans stationed at the Philippine Army base in Basilan's capital, Isabela, where he will be briefed by U.S. Special Forces commander Col. Donald Maxwell on the exercise's progress, Aleo said. --AP