Muslims hold pro-US rally in Jolo

Muslims hold pro-US rally in Jolo JOLO ISLAND --

More than 1,000 Muslims staged a surprising pro-US rally Saturday in Jolo, where thousands of American and Filipino soldiers are to start a month-long joint military drills and humanitarian mission in the impoverished island, about 950 kilometers south of Manila.

Hundreds of placard-bearing villagers, some came as far as the Parang town, south of the island, to join the rally led by the influential Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun. "Stampede comments". Post your comments on the Manila stampede incident here.

It was the first time the secluded Pulalun came out in the open to publicly support the Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) 2006, the codename for the RP-US military drills.

"I call on every Muslims in Sulu to support the government and the Balikatan program because this will bring us more humanitarian aid. Let us show the world that we are peaceful citizens. I appeal to every Muslims to welcome our American visitors and support their peaceful cause," the 50-year old leader, who is a staunch supporter of President Gloria Arroyo, said.

Pulalun appealed to Washington to send more humanitarian aid to poor Muslims in Jolo.

The huge crowd gathered in downtown Jolo where many people were spotted waving hundreds of small US and Philippine flags and placards welcoming the Americans. "We Love You America, Welcome!," one placard reads. "This is why we really want, we need the Americans to help us fight terrorism and so we may live peacefully here," said Abdulgafur Omar, a 29-year old trader.

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I'm surprised at this and a bit dubious. I've been to this exciting tropical paradise and they hated Yanks then. Of course I'm suspicious to max about all things Islam.