US general, soldiers arrive in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA — Nine US military advisers, led by an air force general, arrived in this city yesterday on the eve of the military’s self-imposed deadline to rescue an American couple and a Fi-lipina nurse held by the Abu Sayyaf in nearby Basilan island.

The team led by Brig. Gen. Donald Wurster, commander of the Special Operations Command based in Hawaii, is on a follow-up visit for the training of a special forces unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to pursue the kidnappers.

They held a closed-door meeting with Southern Command chief Lt. Gen. Roy Cimatu to finalize plans for the training of a second Light Reaction Company (LRC), which specializes in commando type operations.

Last week, a 19-member US team also visited Zamboanga to discuss the training of the LRC.

Members of the unit trained by US experts have seen action in Basilan. Last week, they killed 11 members of the bandit group and captured another in a clash.

Southcom spokesman Lt. Col. Danilo Servando said Wurster’s group will "look into the details on the training requirements and other logistic cooperation."

Servando said the US military advisers are also here to inspect proposed training sites for the LRC.

Earlier this week, Cimatu set a deadline of "before Dec. 16" to rescue missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham of Wichita, Kansas and Deborah Yap of Basilan.

"This is an inspirational goal for our soldiers," he said.

Army regional commander Brig. Gen. Glicerio Sua said troops have identified the area where the bandits are holding their captives.

"The situation is fluid," Sua said when asked if his men can meet the deadline. "Most of the time we find ourselves fighting nature instead of the enemy themselves."

He said troops have to deal with cold rainy nights in the jungles of Basilan and its thick vegetation.

"This is also a game of hide-and-seek. It is more difficult to seek than to hide," Sua said.

He said his men are prepared to continue the rescue operation if they do not meet the deadline.

"Even during Christmas our operations will continue," Sua said.

He said the three hostages are being held together and guarded by about 40-50 Abu Sayyaf members led by Abu Sabaya, the group’s spokesman.