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Friday, 7 December, 2001, 09:47 GMT US troops in Philippines ================ http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/asia-pacific/newsid_1697000/1697162.s tm At least 15 US soldiers have arrived in Zamboanga in the southern Philippines, as local troops just 20 kilometres away battle with the Muslim rebel Abu Sayyaf group. The military spokesman General Edilberto Adan said troops in Isabela on Basilan island were approaching the place where the rebels are holding two American missionaries and a Filipino hostage. At least three rebels have died in the fighting. President Gloria Arroyo has emphasised that the US personnel are acting in an advisory capacity. Meanwhile, the trial has begun in Manila of Hector Janjalani, the brother of the Abu Sayyaf leader. He is accused of kidnapping 52 people including schoolchildren from a school in Basilan last year. Most of the hostages were later rescued by troops, but a priest and two teachers were killed by gunmen. A not guilty plea was entered for Mr Janjalani after he refused to respond. >From the newsroom of the BBC World Service ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: archive@jab.org EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.a9WB2D Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
