Dana Rohrabacher: “Mr. Speaker, there is an ongoing, joint operation in the Philippines to rescue American citizens. Martin and Gracie…”

“Mr. Speaker, there is an ongoing, joint operation in the Philippines to rescue American citizens. Martin and Gracie Burnham, who have been held hostage by the brutal terrorists who have been trained and supported by Osama bin Laden, are still being held hostage there in the Philippines. Although the operation to rescue them has received little publicity in the American media, this resolution supports that operation. After the terrorist attack on September 11, Philippine President Arroyo was the first international leader to offer facilities and troops to assist the United States in the campaign against Osama bin Laden and his terrorist network. President Arroyo described the campaign as 'the start of a just offensive.' In addition, President Arroyo demonstrated political courage, and it took political courage for her to do this, to invite U.S. soldiers to help Filipino forces conduct a joint operation to free the American hostages that are being held in the Philippines by the Abu Sayyaf terrorists, those Abu Sayyaf terrorists, of course, trained by bin Laden. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.”