11.  The proposal would help the two longtime allies in their effort to fight terrorism, a Philippine defense official said.

12.  U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen suggested the meeting to Mercado during a recent visit by the Philippine defense official to Washington, Mercado said.

13.  U.S. and Philippine defense officials are engaged in the talks along with customs, foreign affairs and military officials.

14.  He is also due to meet with Philippine defense officials and personally visit troops in the field on Monday.

15.  Manila lodged the protest with Beijing after Philippine defense officials found several concrete structures flying the Chinese flag on Mischief Reef and two warships in the area.

16.  Ramos did not raise concerns over the health of the Chinese patriarch during the meeting, according to Philippine defense secretary Renato de Villa.