Philippine President Gloria Arroyo is visiting the southern Philippines to show support for a joint U.S.-Philippine anti-terrorism exercise being conducted there.

Speaking in the city of Zamboanga Tuesday, Ms. Arroyo said her government will continue to fight Abu Sayyaf Muslim rebels until in her words "this evil group" is neutralized.

She also praised the joint U.S.-Philippine exercise as a common effort that will make both forces stronger.

Some 660 U.S. troops are involved in the operation to train Philippine army forces fighting the Abu Sayyaf, which has been linked to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida terrorist network.

The group is holding an American couple and a Philippine nurse captive on Basilan island.

Meanwhile, Philippine and U.S. forces held a memorial service at a Philippine airbase for 10 American servicemen who were killed Friday when their helicopter crashed into the sea off the coast of Negros Island.

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