During a recent joint amphibious landing exercise, United States and Philippine troops storm a beach in Zambales. The two countries are in talks about expanding bilateral military cooperation, but Washington has made it clear that reopening of bases in the country is not an option. (Photo by KJ ROSALES)

President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Gaudencio Pangilinan (fifth from left) tours the death chamber during the launching Saturday, Jan. 27, 2012, of the BuCor 2012 Road Map and Stakholders’ Fellowship at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. (MALACAÑANG Photo)

Policemen point at leaking chemicals from recently dug up World War II vintage bombs on Kawit Island, South Road Properties, in Cebu. (Photo by CHERYL BALDICANTOS)

Rose Pascual and granddaughter Arwen look at the monument of former Vice President Salvador 'Doy' Laurel at the corner of Pedro Gil Street and Roxas Boulevard in Manila as the nation observes the eighth death anniversary of the Filipino patriot and statesman Saturday January 27, 2012. (Photo by JACQUELINE HERNANDEZ)

Members of Migrante International hold a rally at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) office in Pasay City Friday, January 27, 2012, to press for an intensified and more systematic repatriation of Filipinos in Syria. The DFA is trying to bring home Filipinos in Syria because of the worsening civil strife there. See also Syria-based OFWs urged: Go home (Photo by JACQUELINE HERNANDEZ)