Associated Press
ZAMBOANGA, Philippines — U.S. military advisers will be allowed to join front-line Philippine troops fighting Muslim guerrillas linked to al-Qaida, but not engage the guerrillas in combat, the Philippines’ military chief of staff said Wednesday.
More than 100 U.S. soldiers are expected to arrive to assist troops fighting the Abu Sayyaf extremist group, the Philippines government has said.
The statement by Gen. Diomedio Villanueva is the first time a senior military official has said U.S. forces would be allowed on the front lines. Previously, visiting U.S. experts in special operations have stayed in army camps. Under Philippine law, foreign troops are not allowed to join combat in the country.
"Going to the front line does not necessarily mean that they will be the ones going in direct contact with the enemy," Villanueva said.
The U.S. military has not said whether it will actually put troops on the front lines. U.S. military officials have consistently refused to give details of their activities in the Philippines.
On Wednesday, Villanueva visited an army camp in Zamboanga city that will be used by U.S. experts to train a special unit called the Light Reaction Company, which will be deployed against the Abu Sayyaf.
The group has been holding hostage a U.S. missionary couple, Martin and Gracia Burham, and Filipino nurse Deborah Yap for the past seven months on southern Basilan island.
In Manila, armed forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Edilberto Adan said more than 100 U.S. soldiers would soon arrive in the country in small groups.
He said an initial group of eight to 20 is expected this month.
Adan said the U.S. experts will provide "training, assistance and advice" on subjects including psychological warfare, intelligence and night flying.
He said the United States would also donate military equipment. The Philippines has already received a C-130 transport plane, troop carriers, hundreds of assault and sniper rifles and mortars. Officials are expecting a patrol boat and several helicopters in the coming months.
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