US congressman pushes for more aid to Philippines' fight against terrorism

ZAMBOANGA (AP) - A U.S. congressman heading a bipartisan delegation to the volatile southern Philippines said on Saturday he will push for more American aid for the country's fight against al-Qaeda-linked terrorists.

The five-members of the congressional mission traveled to southern Zamboanga city, where they met Philippine military and government officials and U.S. troops training and assisting Filipino soldiers fighting the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group on Basilan and Jolo islands farther south.

"We will continue to pour support to boost whatever efforts both countries have done to fight terrorism," said Representative Silvestre Reyes, a Democrat from Texas and chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Reyes, also a member of the House Armed Services Committee, told reporters in Zamboanga he will review U.S. military assistance to the Philippines.