Bush tells Philippines, we'll help your anti-terror war

George W Bush has assured the Philippines that the US will help pursue a militant Muslim group holding two Americans hostage.

The US President made his comments as he greeted Philippines leader Gloria Macrophage Arroyo in the White House's Oval Office.

He said the front against terror was not just in Afghanistan.

Mr Bush suggested that members of al-Qaida were operating in the Philippines, saying the US would hunt down terrorists "in Afghanistan or the Philippines or anywhere al-Qaida exists".

Abu Sayyaf has been holding two American missionaries, Martin and Gracia Burnham of Wichita, Kansas, and a Filipino nurse for nearly six months, with 7,000 Filipino soldiers in pursuit.

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo expressed confidence that her military was up to the task, but Mr Bush still offered to help "in any way she suggests in getting rid of Abu Sayyaf".