While protesters mobilize almost daily against the presence of US troops in the Philippines, our economy has sought improvements from the arrival of the American Troops for joint military exercises. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s decision has obtained a consensus from congressional leaders in allowing the American Troops to take part in the operations against the Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Mindanao.

Contrary to expectations of militant groups that the Americans’ arrival would elicit political rage, many Filipinos including the business community have favored it. Filipinos are sick and tired of the harm and violence these Abus create – thus adhering to the purpose of the US military despite fierce sentiment among militant groups.

According to the Social Weather Stations statistics in the late 2000 shows that 80 percent of the Filipinos trust the US.

The façade of the arrival of the Americans is striking for many, however their true agenda lies unclear.

The United States government has been expanding its fight against terrorism into Southeast Asia. However, their military mission in the Philippines may threaten the country’s national security. The goal of Americans’ presence in the country is set unclear and appears to be nomadic in their principles.

It is uncertain whether the US military troops are here in the country for training, rescue of the foreign hostages or subjugating the terrorists’ sympathizers.

Even if Arroyo has stressed that the US troops will serve only as advisers, there is a danger of confrontation. Where do you draw the line between self-defense and attack in a military operation?

The Philippines’ security is at stake. It appears that the US troops have no exit strategy in the country. There is even no guarantee that our local troops would be able to captivate the Abus with the US training they gained.

Under the Visiting Forces Agreements, visits of US troops longer than four weeks are not allowed. The US troops were given six months to participate in the training, but expecting them and our local troops to destroy the Abus from the given time is unrealistic – thus this may take longer, definitely violating the constitution.

President Arroyo’s decision is cruising against the difficult and dangerous waves of governance. Aside from the fact that her administrative actions of the US-RP military agreement may be unconstitutional, our country is in trouble of sinking.

While others are raving for the support of the Americans, what we do not know our country is careening towards uncertainty.