RP to receive 300 extra U.S. soldiers

RP to receive 300 extra U.S. soldiers

PHILIPPINES: The United States may send 300 extra troops to the island base of extremist rebels to help with infrastructure projects if the Philippine government approves, a military official said on Sunday.

Philippine military officials will recommend the extra deployment on condition the forces would be involved only in such non-combat activities, Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio said.

More than 600 American military personnel, including 160 U.S. Special Forces deployed to Basilan island, are in the Philippines for a controversial six-month counterterrorism exercise aimed at helping the local military crush Abu Sayyaf rebels who have been linked to the al-Qaeda terrorist network. It is scheduled to end July 15.

Teodosio, who heads the Philippine contingent in the exercise, said the Americans were planning to rebuild roads, two seaports, an airstrip and drinking-water facilities primarily to enable the local military to deploy troops much faster. --AP