Troops told not to kiss in public

US troops have been told not to kiss or discuss religion in public in the Philippines.

Soldiers are in the south of the country are helping combat the Abu Sayyaf group, which has been linked to al-Qaida.

The guidelines were included in a seminar on cultural sensitivities.

Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman said the briefing taught troops how to act "in a manner that will not become a source of tension and irritation for the public".