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US soldiers combatants in Mindanao, says Gadian

hypocritexposer

Well-known member
US soldiers combatants in Mindanao, says Gadian

By Mario J. Mallari

08/27/2009



The estimated 600 American special forces in Mindanao are active participants in combat operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the Basilan and Sulu provinces against Abu Sayyaf bandits, former Navy Lt. Nancy Gadian, a whistle-blower on anomalies in the periodic holding of war exercises in the country involving American soldiers, said yesterday.

Malacañang has insisted the 600 US troops stationed in Mindanao are not engaged in combat which is prohibited under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

"There were reports that they were actually embedded in the troops who are conducting actual operation or engagement," Gadian, who once served as officer-in-charge of the civil military operations unit of the AFP’s Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) which has jurisdiction over Basilan and Sulu, known strongholds of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group, said.

Gadian particularly cited the terms of reference for the 2002-1 Balikatan where it stated the parti-cipation of US troops in the "actual terrain."

"When they say actual terrain, this is the engagement area. They say that they (US troops) only provide advisory and only act in defense of themselves but bullets do not choose the target… you cannot say that you’re only an advisor or only in defense," Gadian said.

Gadian said the US troops also used "special intelligence equipment" in tracking down target terrorists. "When you use special intelligence equipment, you will know the target, who are in there and what area and the location of the target," she said.

Gadian claimed she was present during briefings at Wesmincom during the conduct of 2002-1 Balikatan where she heard a US counterpart citing the location of the enemy, meaning the Abu Sayyaf or other Muslim groups.

"It may be known to you that they (US troops) had a hand in neutralizing high-ranking



personalities of the ASG," said Gadian, apparently referring to the killing of self-styled Abu Sayyaf spokesman Aldam Tilao, alias Abu Sabaya, during a clash with elite AFP troops.

Government authorities have acknowledged the assistance provided by US troops in its campaign against terrorists in Mindanao but maintained the Americans only extend technical and intelligence assistance to AFP troops.

"They (US troops) are part of the planning of the combat operations because with their highly-sophisticated equipment, they are the ones giving information to their AFP counterpart," Gadian stressed.

While she maintained that she has no personal knowledge of actual participation of US troops in AFP combat operations, Gadian said there were "reported, revelation that they are embedded with the troops."

Gadian, on the other hand, said that Filipino troops have "limited access" to US bases inside AFP camps. "It’s by invitation," said Gadian, who also revealed last May alleged corrupt practices involving the P46 million funds allotted to the Balikatan 2007 held in various areas under Wesmincom.

She also cited "sexual activities" of US troops while staying inside AFP camps. "This is known but unreported incidents because there will be a backlash on the camp commander," said Gadian.

According to Gadian, the conduct of various joint military exercises between RP and US troops only indicates the Americans desire to stay in the country.

Aside from Balikatan, joint exercises like Balance Piston (Army), Carat Exercises (Navy) and the PALA (Air Force) are being held every year in various parts of the country.

There are presently US troops in Sulu and Basilan continuously providing technical assistance, particularly in intelligence gathering, to the AFP in its continuing efforts against the Abu Sayyaf group which is included in the US list of terrorist groups.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20090827hed3.html
 

loomixguy

Well-known member
This has been common knowledge amongst the Fil-Am community for well over a decade. Nothing really new there. Bing has to have somebody hold his hand.

Fields avenue in Angeles City hosts more sexual activity by Americans in one night than some US military camp in the province in Mindanao would in six months.
 
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