MANILA, Oct 18: US President George Bush vowed on Saturday to help the Philippines bring Abu Sayyaf rebels “to justice” and work with Southeast Asian nations to dismantle the Al Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah.

Th president pledged funds and training to help the Philippines military quash regional extremists during an eight-hour state visit to reward this staunch “war-on-terrorism” ally.

“My government and yours are pursuing a common objective: We will bring Abu Sayyaf to justice,” he said in remarks prepared for delivery to a joint session of the Philippines Congress.

“And we will continue to work with our friends in Southeast Asia to dismantle the Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist network and other groups that traffic in violence and chaos,” he added.

It was the first such speech by a US president to a joint session of the Philippines Congress since Dwight Eisenhower in 1960.

“The United States and the Philippines are warm friends. We cherish that friendship, and we will keep it strong,” Mr Bush said.

Manila was the second stop of a whirlwind six-nation tour of Asia and Australia, during which Mr Bush hopes to enlist cash and troops for US efforts in Iraq and aims to bolster alliances in the “war on terrorism”.

In what amounted to endorsing her re-election bid, the US leader took pains to praise Philippines President Gloria Arroyo during a brief joint public appearance as the two met at Malacanang Palace.—AFP