The new president of the Philippines, Gloria Arroyo, has called on the military to help her rebuild the nation.

She called on officers to work with her to ensure internal security and combat muslim separatists.

In return, she vowed to support and modernize the military.

It was her first address to the military since senior commanders told her predecessor, Joseph Estrada, a week ago that they had no confidence in him -- which helped bring about his downfall.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service