Security was tight as President Arroyo visited Basilan
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Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has visited the troubled south to rally troops fighting militant groups there.
Mrs Arroyo thanked the thousands of soldiers involved in the offensive, which is mainly targeting the al-Qaeda linked Abu Sayyaf militant group.
Recent fierce clashes between the army and militant groups have seen both sides suffer a heavy death toll.
Thousands of people on Basilan and Jolo islands, where much of the fighting has been centred, have fled their homes.
Mrs Arroyo held talks with senior commanders after arriving at the military's regional command centre in Zamboanga city, 860km (535 miles) south of the capital Manila.
She then shared a lunch of noodles and fish with the troops on Basilan during her 30 minute visit, which was held amid tight security.
"Thank you for fighting terrorism," she was quoted as telling frontline troops, promising that she would work towards increasing their combat pay.
'Humanitarian offensive'
Earlier this month the Philippine government temporarily moved the army's headquarters to Zamboanga, and deployed thousands of extra troops as it stepped up its offensive against the militants.
The move followed fighting on Jolo island, in Sulu province, that left 50 dead, including 25 soldiers.
Ten marines were also beheaded on Basilan in a separate incident last month.
Fighting last weekend between troops and Abu Sayyaf led to the deaths of 15 marines and some 40 militants around Ungkaya Pukan town on Basilan, officials said.
Ms Arroyo has stressed the need for a "humanitarian offensive" amid fears that thousands of innocent people will be caught up in the violence.
Relief officials say nearly 24,000 people have fled their homes on Jolo and Basilan, while the civil defence office says 40 hamlets have been evacuated and 14 schools shut.
Fourteen people were injured after a bomb exploded in a crowded square in Zamboanga late on Tuesday. Police blamed the attack on Abu Sayyaf.
