At least 80 US Special Forces from Balikatan to remain in Basilan

LAUR, Nueva Ecija – About 80 to 160 US Special Forces from the "Balikatan 02-1" war exercises that ended Wednesday will remain in Basilan to undertake more civic projects in former Abu Sayyaf-controlled areas, Armed Forces chief Gen. Roy Cimatu said at Fort Magsaysay here yesterday.

Cimatu said the projects would be undertaken during the "transition period" between the Balikatan exercises and the next set of training activities which are scheduled to be held in October.

"We have to sustain our victories (against the Abu Sayyaf) on the ground. After we have uprooted the enemy, we cannot allow them to sprout again that’s why we’re having these humanitarian activities," Cimatu told reporters at the 14th anniversary celebration of the 7th Infantry Division based at Fort Magsaysay.

He said the projects include the repair and construction of school buildings, medical facilities and other vital infrastructure needed by the ravaged communities in areas cleared of Abu Sayyaf rebels.

Among the barangays to benefit from the projects, he said, is Mahayahay, a former stronghold of the extremist group. He said the projects will be funded by the US government but did not disclose the amount.

"This will complement our previous Operation Gentle Wind," Cimatu said, referring to the $1.4-million worth of infrastructure projects undertaken by the US Marine engineers and Navy Seabees.