SOME 2,000 civilian volunteers took their oath as members of police auxiliaries that will help authorities protect villages from terrorist attacks in the island province of Sulu.

They took their oath Thursday with National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro as the administering officer.

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"We will not allow these groups from terrorizing innocent people and taking hostage the beautiful province of Sulu," Teodoro said.

Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan welcomed Teodoro, who arrived by plane from Zamboanga City late Thursday afternoon, together with senior military and police officials, and Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez.

Tan said the volunteers would be placed under the supervision of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the mayors of the town where they would be deployed as peace-keeping force.

He said the volunteers are now part of the Police Auxiliary Unit.

"Civilians are fed up with the atrocities of the Abu Sayyaf. Our people are suffering from their atrocities. These volunteers are now partners of the Philippine National Police in maintaining peace and order in Sulu," Tan said.

Tan also praised Teodoro, who is also the chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), for helping civilians displaced by the fighting in Sulu.

Clashes between security forces and rebels began in September and the military said dozens had been killed and wounded, including two US Special Forces members. (Bong Garcia)