MANILA, Philippines, June 5 (UPI) -- Philippine and U.S. troops increased security against terror attacks on the southern island of Sulu with the arrival of the hospital ship USS Mercy.
Filipino forces in full battle gear were conducting security checks Monday in the town of Jolo and traffic was blocked to allow passage of U.S. forces to the port area.
The Philippine Star Monday said the visit was a humanitarian one, and quoted Philippine military authorities as saying the Philippine Navy and U.S. Navy Seals were part of security efforts to protect the ship.
U.S. troops temporarily deployed in Sulu are part of a humanitarian medical and civic action mission designed to help win hearts and minds in the war against terror. Surgical procedures will be performed on civilians aboard the USS Mercy.
Authorities are concerned the Abu Sayyaf group of terrorists may attempt an attack to disrupt the mission.
Abu Sayyaf, a Philippine group, is affiliated with al-Qaida.
The southern Philippines has long been the scene of a decades-old battle between the government and Muslim secessionists.
