Manila - President Gloria Arroyo of the Philippines said yesterday she had called in US government help as a crisis involving Muslim guerrillas holding 23 American and Philippine hostages intensified.
President Arroyo's announcement came as security forces said they were investigating a threat of terrorist bombings in the capital, Manila, to take the pressure off guerrillas under siege from pursuing troops on southern Basilan island.
"I have asked the United States to help with their surveillance expertise and in supplying us with some modern equipment, and their response has been positive," President Arroyo said.
The Muslim guerrilla group Abu Sayyaf has killed four Philippine hostages and claims to have beheaded one of three American captives. Police said the arrest in Manila of the group's intelligence officer, Harsim Abdulajid, had uncovered an apparent Abu Sayaff plan to stage a series of bombings in Manila.