Civic projects to keep US troops busy during Balikatan

American troops will repair schools, roads and undertake other civic projects as part of annual joint exercises launched Sunday in the southern Philippines aimed at fighting grass roots support for al-Qaeda-linked militants, US military officials said.

While past drills have involved up to 5,000 US soldiers, only about 400 were on hand for the Feb. 18-March 4 maneuvers dubbed "Balikatan" that will focus on humanitarian projects on southern Jolo island, the officials said.

"We know that terrorists here get some support from the local population, but that level of support continues to decrease with more humanitarian projects," said Maj. John Redfield, a spokesman for the US contingent.

"We are seeing more and more people come forward with information against the terrorists, and certainly we encourage people to continue to do that," he told The Associated Press.

He also cited recent Philippine battlefield successes for declining support for the Abu Sayyaf, who authorities say number about 400 in Jolo. – AP