Philippines
Capital - Manila
Chief of State - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (since 1/20/01)
Head of Government - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (since 1/20/01)

• CNN's "US Military in the Philippines"
• Training mission begins, marking the beginning of US's anti-terror mission here. 1/31/02
• The first visibly armed US soldiers arrive at Edwin Andrews Air Base in the Zamboanga area.  US will not be allowed in combat, but only as support for Philippine forces.  Objective:  to rescue American and Filipino hostages held on Basilan island by the terrorist group, Abu Sayyaf, notorious for kidnappings and beheadings. 1/24/02
• US military trainers arrive to work with Philippine military in operation "Balanced Piston", which involves teaching jungle warfare and survival techniques.  The "goal of the program is to root out the Abu Sayyaf guerrillas, who operate in the southern Philippines and took dozens of hostages last year, including an American couple."  US has earmarked over $70 million for the Philippine military aid program this year. 1/9/02
• There is a large group of Bin Laden followers here.
• Travel warning issued by the US Dept of State warns American citizens from traveling in Philippines. 10/5/01
• Rebel groups in the Philippines include: Abu Sayyaf, Moro National Liberation Front, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, New People's Army.
• Office of the President
• Department of Foreign Affairs
• US Embassy in Manilla
• Member of APEC