MANILA, Philippines - Unfazed by threats from the communist New People's Army (NPA), United States troops will push through with their civic mission in Capiz in Western Visayas.

Online news site The News Today reported that Capt. Renante Besa, Army 3rd Infantry Division spokesman downplayed the threat of NPA attacks.

"There's no problem with the medical mission," he said, adding the threats are "usual" and "expected."

About 141 troops from the Army's 3ID are involved in the joint military exercise, which will run until February 20.

Balance Piston 09-1 involves 11 training events, which includes civic action programs.

Besa said the 31 US trainers conducting the training will also be joining the medical-dental mission to be held in Agloloway and Jaena Sur villages in Jamindan town.

Last week, two units from the NPA figured in a misencounter in Buri village in Tapaz town. The military claimed the NPAs were on their way to harass the training exercises.

But he said security for the US troops have already been arranged with the Philippine National Police and Jamindan Mayor Ethel Jinon, who will also be joining the civic mission.

Also, he said barangay officials and residents in the area are helping the Armed Forces of the Philippines monitor the presence of the rebels.

"We also constantly conduct security patrols in said barangay," Besa said.

He said villages where the medical-dental mission will be conducted are situated in the periphery of Camp Macario Peralta, where the joint military exercises are held.

"So I believe there would be no problem. That is why security is not a problem," he said.

"Training is (going) smoothly as planned. We are prepared for whatever threat," he added.