February 22, 2002, Philippine Star, Philippine security chief discounts terrorist attack in US chopper crash,

February 22, 2002, Philippine Star, Philippine security chief discounts terrorist attack in US chopper crash,

National Security Adviser Roilo Golez has discounted the possibility of terrorist attacks in the US Chinook helicopter crash.

"(The government) categorically state that this is not the result of terrorist action," Golez told reporters, adding that the crash site in the waters off Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental was too distant from Abu Sayyaf territory in Basilan.

The US MH-47 Chinook helicopter came from Basilan where the Balikatan military exercises were being held and was on its way back to its base in Cebu when a system malfunction supposedly occurred, causing it to crash.

Meanwhile, Golez admitted they have yet to confirm the exact number of US servicemen aboard the ill-fated helicopter.

Defence Secretary Angelo Reyes earlier said there were ten US soldiers but other reports said there were 12.