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U.S. soldiers help rescue police in Maguindanao firefight

Xinhua, January 27, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday that the U.S. troops had extended help to rescue injured people after a gunbattle that left more than 50 police personnel and Muslim rebels dead in south Philippine province of Maguindanao.

Five unarmed U.S. soldiers were seen on Monday extracting wounded members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force, using their white non-combat Bell Helicopter

Joanne Petinglay, spokesperson of AFP's 6th Division, said foreigners' efforts were part of humanitarian responses.

"They are based in Manila and Zamboanga. We don't have U.S. troops here. They just come and go," Petinglay said, adding the U. S. servicemen have no direct participation in the assault.

A series of clashes occurred in the early hours of Sunday in Mamasapano town between the Special Action Force of the Philippines National Police and the alleged members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

At least 49 Philippine police personnel and five Muslim rebels were believed to be killed in the clashes, according to local authorities. Three civilians were injured and more than 500 families were affected by the incident.

Suara Bangsamoro, a Moro organization, questioned the government why it has allowed the presence of U.S. troops during police and military operations against Moro groups in Maguindanao, and suggested the Congress and Senate start investigation on reports of U.S. troops' presence in conflict areas or right after combat operations. Endi