Hillary Clinton pledges strong alliance with Philippines

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton vowed Thursday to maintain a strong alliance with the Philippines as it fights militants who officials say are now using Iraq-style tactics.

Clinton’s two-day visit came amid a backdrop of persistent violence from the Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group in the volatile south of the country, where US Special Forces advisers are helping to train and equip Filipino soldiers.

Cheered by an estimated 2,000 students, who waved both the US and Philippines flags, Clinton visited a school in a Manila suburb that was badly flooded and received books and other supplies from the US government.