"I am honored to accept President (Gloria) Arroyo's generous invitation to visit the Philippines this fall," the US president said.

Arroyo said she is pleased to that her country has come to be seen as a major partner in the war on terror.

"I welcome the support of the world, and I welcome the support of the US," she said.

If terrorism is allowed to flourish, "it will spread like SARS," said Arroyo, who said that in the Philippines "terrorism thrives not coincidentally ... in the regions that are the poorest in our country."

The Philippines has been described as a "stalwart ally" in the anti-terror battle by top US officials who hope to send a message to the Philippines, as well as other states in Asia and beyond, of the benefits to allies that join its anti-terror campaign.

WAR.WIRE