12 December 2001

House Thanks Philippines for Counterterrorism Help

The House International Relations Committee has approved by unanimous consent a resolution thanking the Philippines for its support in the war on terrorism.

House Concurrent Resolution 273 (H. Con. Res. 273) was approved in a December 12 meeting of the panel. The Senate passed a similar resolution, Senate Concurrent Resolution 91, December 10.

The resolution's next stop will be the floor of the House, where it will be voted on by the lawmakers.

H. Con. Res. 273 takes note of the Abu Sayaff terrorist group in the Philippines, which "has historical ties to Osama bin Laden and the al-Qaeda network, and has engaged in hundreds of act of terrorism in the Philippines, including bombings, arson, and kidnappings."

The Abu Sayaff terrorist group, the resolution adds, kidnapped U.S. citizens Martin Burnham, Gracia Burnham (American missionaries in that country), and Guillermo Sobero, along with several Filipinos in May of this year, and killed Sobero and continues to hold the Burnhams captive.

The proposed resolution cites the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the two long-time allies and "supports the Government of the Philippines in its efforts to prevent and suppress terrorism."

Following is the text of House Concurrent Resolution 273 from the Congressional Record:

Reaffirming the special relationship between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.

Mr. Rohrabacher (for himself and Mr. GILMAN) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Reaffirming the special relationship between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.

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

Whereas 2001 marks the 50th anniversary of the United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, signed at Washington on August 30, 1951 (3 UST 3947);

Whereas since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, the Philippines has been among the 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 its war of self-defense 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 United States operations in Afghanistan, the Government of the Philippines has made all of its military installations available to the United States Armed Forces for transit, refueling, resupply, and staging operations;

Whereas this assistance provided by the Philippines has proved highly valuable in the prosecution of the war in Afghanistan, as acknowledged by the Commander-in-Chief of United States Forces in the Pacific;

Whereas the Philippines also faces grave terrorist threats from the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People's Army, the National Democratic Front, and the radical Abu Sayaff group, as well as an armed secessionist movement, the Moro Islamic 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 act of terrorism in the Philippines, including bombings, arson, and kidnappings;

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

Whereas Abu Sayaff killed Mr. Sobero and continues to detain Martin Burnham and Gracia Burnham; and

Whereas the United States and the Philippines are committed to each other's security pursuant to the Mutual Defense Treaty: Now, therefore, be it

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

• expresses its deepest gratitude to the Government and people of the Philippines for their sympathy and support since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States;

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

• affirms the commitment of the United States to the Republic of the Philippines pursuant to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty;

• 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. (end text)