21.   But Philippine officials stress that the Americans will not take part in actual combat against the kidnappers.

22.   The special forces are training and assisting Filipino soldiers in their hunt for the rebels, but are barred from actual combat.

23.   They are barred from actual combat, but can defend themselves if attacked.

24.   The US troops are barred from actual combat, but they are allowed to shoot back if attacked.

25.   The US troops are not allowed to engage in actual combat except in self-defense.

26.   US troops are advising and assisting local forces but are barred from actual combat with the Abu Sayyaf except in self defense.

27.   Manila has stressed that the Americans will only serve as trainors and advisers and will not take part in actual combat.

28.   Most of the shooting elsewhere in Monrovia has been sporadic, and is thought to be linked more with looting than actual combat.

29.   Military southern command spokesman Captain Noel Detoyato on Tuesday reiterated that US troops will only act as trainers and not engage in actual combat.

30.   The Americans will not engage in actual combat, but will be armed and will fire back if attacked.