III
107TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. CON. RES. 273
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
DECEMBER 19 (legislative day, DECEMBER 18), 2001
Received and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Reaffirming the special relationship between the United
States and the Republic of the Philippines.
Whereas the United States and the Republic of the Phil-
ippines have shared a special relationship of mutual ben-
efit for more than 100 years;
Whereas 2001 marks the 50th anniversary of the United
States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, signed at
Washington on August 30, 1951 (3 UST 3947);
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Whereas since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on
the United States, the Philippines has been among the
most steadfast friends of the United States during a time
of grief and turmoil, offering heartfelt sympathy and sup-
port;
Whereas after the United States launched its war of self-de-
fense in Afghanistan on October 7, 2001, Philippine
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo immediately an-
nounced her Government’s unwavering support for the
operation, calling it ‘‘the start of a just offensive’’;
Whereas during United States operations in Afghanistan, the
Government of the Philippines has made all of its mili-
tary installations available to the United States Armed
Forces for transit, refueling, resupply, and staging oper-
ations;
Whereas this assistance provided by the Philippines has
proved highly valuable in the prosecution of the war in
Afghanistan, as acknowledged by the Commander-in-
Chief of United States Forces in the Pacific;
Whereas the Philippines also faces grave terrorist threats
from the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New
People’s Army, the National Democratic Front, and the
radical Abu Sayaff group, as well as an armed seces-
sionist movement, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front;
Whereas the Abu Sayaff group has historical ties to Osama
bin Laden and the al-Qaeda network, and has engaged
in hundreds of act of terrorism in the Philippines, includ-
ing bombings, arson, and kidnappings;
Whereas in May 2001, Abu Sayaff kidnapped United States
citizens Martin Burnham, Gracia Burnham, and Guil-
lermo Sobero, along with several Filipinos;
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Whereas Abu Sayaff killed Mr. Sobero and continues to de-
tain Martin Burnham and Gracia Burnham; and
Whereas the United States and the Philippines are com-
mitted to each other’s security pursuant to the Mutual
Defense Treaty: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That Congress—
(1) expresses its deepest gratitude to the Gov-
ernment and people of the Philippines for their sym-
pathy and support since the September 11, 2001,
terrorist attacks on the United States;
(2) expresses its sympathy to the current and
recent Filipino victims of terrorism and their fami-
lies;
(3) affirms the commitment of the United
States to the Republic of the Philippines pursuant to
the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty;
(4) supports the Government of the Philippines
in its efforts to prevent and suppress terrorism; and
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(5) acknowledges the economic and military
needs of the Philippines and pledges to continue to
assist in addressing those needs.
Passed the House of Representatives December 18,
2001.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk.