US troops helpful in ops vs. Abu Sayyaf, Defense chief points out

MANILA, Philippines - US personnel in Zamboanga City have been helpful in Philippine military operations, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday morning.

"They are actually providing us what we call in the military as ISR. Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance." Lorenzana said.

However, American soldiers are barred by the 1987 Constitution from participating in actual combat operations.

"For one thing, they can't put troops there to fight the Abu Sayyaf. No combat troops." Lorenzana said.

"They have already consolidated in Zamboanga City, reduced the number to 10. These are only technical people manning our assets in the south," he also said.

Lorenzana said the US personnel have two drones that can be used for surveillance. 

He said Monday morning that he has informed the president of how the US has been assisting in the Armed Forces of the Philippines' fight against the Abu Sayyaf.

President Rodrigo Duterte said earlier this month that US troops should leave Mindanao or they would be killed by the Abu Sayyaf.

Lorenzana, however, said that he explained to the president how the intelligence from US personnel has been helpful in military operations.

"He knows what those troops are doing in the south." Lorenzana said.

The Defense chief also pointed out that the US, a former colonizer and long-time military ally, is the country's biggest source of military equipment.

"Except for one ship from Indonesia is coming, several from Japan, practically, all our assets came from the US" Lorenzana added.

Duterte has already ordered Defense officials to look into possible deals with Russia and China for military equipment.