10 December 2001

Senate Thanks Philippines For Support in War on Terrorism

Senator Jesse Helms (Republican of North Carolina) introduced a resolution in the Senate December 10 thanking the Philippines for its support in the war on terrorism and its sympathy for the victims of the September 11 terror attacks on the United States.

Helms, along with Senators Charles Hagel (Republican of Nebraska), Richard Lugar (Republican of Indiana), and John Kerry (Democrat of Massachusetts), submitted Senate Concurrent Resolution 91 (S. Con. Res. 91). The Senate took up the proposed resolution immediately, and passed it by unanimous consent.

S. Con. Res. 91 notes that after the United States launched Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan on October 7, 2001, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo "immediately announced her government's unwavering support for the operation, calling it 'the start of a just offensive.'"

During the U.S. campaign in Afghanistan against the Taliban regime and the terrorist organization al Qaeda which supported it, the Philippine government has "made all of its military installations available to the Armed Forces of the United States for transit, refueling, resupply, and staging operations," the resolution says.

S. Con. Res. 91 expresses the Senate's "deepest gratitude" to the Philippine government and the Filipino people "for their sympathy and support since September 11, 2001."

The resolution also expresses the Senate's sympathy to Filipino victims of terrorism and their families.

The resolution affirms the commitments of the United States to the Philippines as expressed in the Mutual Defense Treaty, and "supports the government of the Philippines in its efforts to prevent and suppress terrorism."

The resolution says the Senate will work to assist in addressing the economic and military needs of the Philippines.

Following is the text of Senate Concurrent Resolution 91 from the Congressional Record:

Mr. Helms (for himself, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Kerry, And Mr. Hagel) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

S. Con. Res. 91

Whereas the United States and the Republic of the Philippines have shared a special relationship of mutual benefit for more than 100 years;

Whereas, since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, the Philippines has been among the world's most steadfast friends of the United States during a time of grief and turmoil, offering heartfelt sympathy and support;

Whereas, after the United States launched Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan on October 7, 2001, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo immediately announced her government's unwavering support for the operation, calling it "the start of a just offensive";

Whereas, during the United States operations in Afghanistan, the government of the Philippines has made all of its military installations available to the Armed Forces of the United States for transit, refueling, resupply, and staging operations;

Whereas this assistance provided by the Philippines has proved highly valuable in the prosecution of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan;

Whereas the Philippines also faces terrorist threats from the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army/National Democratic Front and the radical Islamic Abu Sayaff group, as well as armed secessionist campaigns by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and elements of the Moro National Liberation Front;

Whereas the Abu Sayaff group has historical ties to Osama bin Laden and the al-Qaeda network, and has engaged in hundreds of acts of terrorism in the Philippines, including bombings, arson, and kidnappings;

Whereas, in May 2001, Abu Sayaff kidnapped American citizens Martin Burnham, Gracia Burnham and Guillermo Sobero, along with several Filipinos;

Whereas Abu Sayaff has killed Guillermo Sobero and still detains Martin Burnham and Gracia Burnham; and

Whereas, the United States and the Philippines are committed to each other's security in the Mutual Defense Treaty, signed at Washington August 30, 1951 (3 UST 3947): Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That Congress--

• expresses its deepest gratitude to the government and the people of the Philippines for their sympathy and support since September 11, 2001;

• expresses its sympathy to the current and recent Filipino victims of terrorism and their families;

• affirms the commitments of the United States to the Philippines as expressed in the Mutual Defense Treaty, signed at Washington August 30, 1951 (3 UST 3947);

• supports the government of the Philippines in its efforts to prevent and suppress terrorism; and

• acknowledges the economic and military needs of the Philippines and pledges to continue to assist in addressing those needs.