1.   Ganio told the House panel that all Filipino soldiers took the formal oath of allegiance to the U.S. flag and Constitution.

2.   The report praised the Filipino soldiers and said they had taken care not to endanger the hostages.

3.   The U.S. soldiers have not been on patrol with Filipino soldiers pursuing the Abu Sayyaf.

4.   Philippine National Security Adviser Roilo Golez said U.S. advisers already trained some Filipino soldiers this year and the upcoming visit will likely be followed by others.

5.   A local commander said that the Marines, and the Filipino soldiers, fired only after they were fired upon by the guerrillas.

6.   Acedera, who took provisions and Christmas presents for the Filipino soldiers, told reporters more improvements were planned on the island.

7.   About two months ago, Pave Hawk helicopters evacuated Filipino soldiers wounded in clashes with the Abu Sayyaf on Basilan.

8.   As dogs and goats roamed freely around the camp, several Filipino soldiers cooked in a large blackened wok over a wood fire.

9.   As part of that cooperation, Portillo said British troops will come to the Philippines this year for a joint exercise with Filipino soldiers.

10.   But Siazon said Filipino soldiers will continue to remove such markers if the Chinese continue putting them in Philippine-claimed territory.