Wednesday, October 01, 2003

Philippines appoints anti-terrorism ambassador

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The former Philippine defense secretary, who resigned following a failed military mutiny in July, said Wednesday he will be appointed the country's anti-terrorism ambassador.

Angelo Reyes said his new job will entail coordinating anti-terrorism efforts with the United States and other countries.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is expected to swear him in later Wednesday, the presidential palace said.

"The terrorist threat is continuing and it will continue for the next decade. We must remain vigilant,'' Reyes told radio station DZBB.

The United States, Australia, Japan and Thailand have each appointed ambassadors to coordinate anti-terrorism efforts, demonstrating the need for closer international cooperation, Reyes said.

Military Chief of Staff Gen. Narciso Abaya welcomed Reyes' appointment, citing his long military career and wide experience in overseeing counterinsurgency and anti-terrorism operations.

Reyes has served previously as chief of staff and commander of military forces fighting Muslim guerrillas in the country's south.

Soldiers who staged a failed July 27 mutiny had demanded Reyes' resignation, among others, accusing him of corruption and masterminding a deadly bombing in the southern Philippines earlier this year to secure more U.S. anti-terrorism funding.

He has strongly denied the allegations, but the charges and criticisms against him forced him to resign in late August. - AP

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Philippines appoints anti-terrorism ambassador