Since 2001, the Philippine armed forces has been active in supporting the War on terror.

After the rescue attempt, Philippine forces stepped up their pursuit of the guerrillas.

The Philippine forces then used their speedboat to ram the other vessel, badly damaging it.

Philippine forces have made some inroads recently.

Philippine forces and their American trainers will no longer have to temper their operations in fear that raids might jeopardize the hostages.

"But it is a group of people that are going to be with the Philippine forces for the purpose of training."

United States and Philippine forces conduct annual training exercises.

The threat of Philippine military force is largely a hollow one, given the dilapidated state of the country's navy and air force.

It was enough to bomb the hell out of whatever Philippine forces were out there.

Another challenge is training Philippine forces for night operations, which American troops prefer for hostage rescues.