American chopper sighted at scene of ASG firefight
Residents near the scene of the firefight between the bandit Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and pursuing Army Scout Rangers reported seeing at least one American MH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter but could not say for sure if any American soldiers participated directly in the encounter.
The Pave Hawk's primary wartime missions include infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations.
The local villagers near the fringe area of Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte said they scampered to take cover when the firing started.
Maan Macapagal, Radio dzMM
Macapagal 'saddened' by Abu hostages' death
Posted: 5:58 PM (Manila Time) | Jun. 07, 2002
By Lira Dalangin
INQ7.net
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said she is saddened by the death of American hostage Martin Burnham and Filipina nurse Ediborah Yap in a firefight between the Abu Sayyaf bandits and pursuing government troops in Zamboanga del Norte Friday afternoon.
"I am deeply saddened by the death of Martin Burnham and one of our very own Ediborah Yap . . .. We commiserate with the Burnham and Yap families. This has been a long and painful trial for them, for our government, and for our country," Macapagal said in a statement. Macapagal said the Armed Forces did their best to insure the safety of the hostages, despite Martin and Yap's death.
"Our soldiers tried their best to hold their fire for their safety. We had hoped and prayed for their safe return," she said.
Macapagal urged the nation to pray for the immediate recovery of Martin's wife, Gracia, who was rescued alive but was hit in the ensuing gunfight.
"Gracia is safe, this is our blessing. I pray for her early recovery," the President said.
She congratulated the military and the American forces participating in the Balikatan 02-1 joint military training for their relentless pursuit of the bandits who have held their hostages for more than a year.
"I salute our troops for their forebearance and courage. I thank our Amercian military allies for their assistance," she said.
Despite the hostages' rescue, Macapagal said pursuit operations against the bandits would continue: "We shall not stop until the Abu Sayyaf is finished. The battle shall go on wherever it takes us."