Military

DATE=5/19/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH/PHILIPPINES (S)

NUMBER=2-303376

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush has welcomed Philippine President Gloria Arroyo to the White House, with the ceremony of a formal state visit. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports, the war on terrorism is expected to dominate their talks.

TEXT: This is the first state visit by an Asian leader during the Bush presidency, a sign of the importance of ties between Washington and Manila.

Speaking at an official welcoming ceremony, President Bush said it is an alliance with deep roots, strengthened by the need to confront a common enemy.

/// BUSH ACT ///

Both our nations our threatened by terrorism. And we are determined to fight that threat, until it is defeated.

/// END ACT ///

President Arroyo agreed, saying the nations of the world must close ranks against the terrorist threat.

/// ARROYO ACT ///

Our war on terrorism has made significant gains. But the threat is far from over.

/// END ACT ///

Just days before she headed to Washington, the Philippine leader ordered a military campaign against a Muslim separatist group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. She gave the group two weeks to end hostilities, or risk being classified as a terrorist organization. (SIGNED)

NEB/PW/RAE/TW