01/22/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-09659

U.S. AND PHILIPPINES FIGHT TERROR

The American campaign against terrorism is being fought on many fronts, at home and around the world. This includes diplomatic, military, financial, and humanitarian actions. The United States pursues these actions in concert with countries that also face a terrorist threat.

As President George W. Bush said of al-Qaida and other terrorist groups, the U.S. "will use all our resources to conquer this enemy. We will rally the world. We will be patient, we will be focused, and we will be steadfast in our determination."

Terrorism is being rooted out in Afghanistan. Al-Qaida terrorists are being brought to justice. The Taleban that harbored them is now out of power. But Afghanistan isn’t the only country affected.

Terrorism is a threat to one of America’s closest friends –- the Philippines. The U-S is the Philippines’ number one trading partner. Three-million Filipinos make the United States their home. But in the southwestern part of the Philippines, the Abu Sayyaf group continues to hold Filipino and American hostages.

Abu Sayyaf has been linked to Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaida network. It is on the U.S. list of terrorist groups. Abu Sayyaf has carried out bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings for ransom. Some of its members were trained as terrorists in Afghanistan.

On a visit to Washington in November, Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (mah-kah-pah-GAHL ah-ROY-yo) and President Bush agreed to improve the Philippines’ counterterrorism capabilities. The United States is now assisting the Philippines in this effort with both personnel and equipment. The goal: the elimination of Abu Sayyaf.

The U-S will provide aid in the war against terrorism in the Philippines, and elsewhere, for as long as it takes. The U-S will press the fight until victory is achieved and the terrorists are defeated.