101.   Ten US servicemen taking part in joint operations with Philippine troops against the Muslim rebel group Abu Sayyaf were on the aircraft when it went down.

102.   The Americans will initially train Philippine troops in counter-militant operations, but will possibly join them later in assaulting the Abu Sayyaf.

103.   The Americans will initially train Philippine troops in counter-militant operations, but will possibly join them later in more direct action against the Abu Sayyaf.

104.   The fighting occurred just before Philippine troops rescued two brothers near Isabela from the hands of another Abu Sayyaf faction that seized them on Sunday.

105.   The fighting occurred just before Philippine troops rescued two brothers near the Basilan capital of Isabela from the hands of another Abu Sayyaf faction that seized them on Sunday.

106.   The joint US-Philippine operations will be formally launched on Thursday with the initial focus to be on training Philippine troops to pursue Abu Sayyaf militants more effectively.