Philippines increases security for US forces

Philippines armed forces were obliged to provide security for a joint reconstruction project with US armed forces after clashes broke out nearby. Curious that the 300k USD in projects focused on humanitarian assistance are presumably undertaken to win the hearts-and-minds of those guerrillas that they are in turn being protected from:

"The Philippines tightened security on Monday around U.S. forces building a road and a school on a southwestern island after clashes broke out with Islamic rebels nearby in which six guerrillas were killed."

A further article entitled 'Anti-U.S. sentiment dwindles in southern Philippines' attempted to portray a happier picture of increasing acceptance for US troops in Jolo. Banned by the Philippine constitution to engage in combat operations, US forces are involved in '...training Filipino troops, providing intelligence on the Abu Sayyaf and conducting social projects like building roads and schools, providing Internet access (!?) and giving medical care.' Under the sub-title of 'good for business' the battle gear-clad US troops are apparently being welcome with cheers and waves wherever they go.

Update:
U.S., Philippines end hearts and minds exercise
This follow-up article describes the close of the joint US- Philippines 'hearts and minds' exercise. Against a backdrop of flag-waving, singing Filipino children, one soldier looks back the experience nostalgically, and frames the comments in light of Iraq:

'Captain Randy Hooper, a U.S. marine who has served in Iraq and was in charge of the projects in Bato-Bato, said the Philippines was a welcome change.

"The locals are so friendly and so open," he said.

"We carry weapons," he added, patting a pistol under his camouflage tunic. "But we don't have to be aggressive at all."'