This willingness is fueled of course by the horrible events of September 11, 2001, when America was momentarily yet monstrously devastated by bin Laden and his cohorts. Now, with Afghanistan dotted with carpet-bomb craters and the Talibans (bin Laden’s supporters) driven away from Kabul, the US has set their eyes on another bin Laden follower and its turf:the war-torn Southern province of Mindanao.

It is here where GMA has entered the scene. With President George W. Bush, Jr.’s persistence to bring to justice those involved in the Sept.11 siege, and having allocated 660 US soldiers to the Philippines for this quest, Arroyo finally fitted in by greenlighting Bush’s crusade with her “Balikatan 02-1”concoction.

As expected, GMA’s critics plus some organizations deem the “Balikatan” as something unconstitutional. Among these people is Vice President and Foreign Secretary Teofisto Guingona, Jr., who has been very vocal against the presence of American troops in Basilan.

In the past few days, Guingona has been adamant in questioning Arroyo why US soldiers are even in the “combat zone.” Their missions, as TIME magazine lists, are specified as training 1,200 Philippine soldiers on the latest in anti-terrorist tactics and intelligence gathering techniques as well teaching the army on how to use state of the art sensors and tracking devices.

Guingona believes that these soldiers can do such tasks without even going to the epicenter. Those also against the presence of US troops constantly point out that a clause in the Philippine constitution states that foreigners are prohibited to fight in the country. The closest thing to shooting ammo US soldiers can achieve here is by being part of joint war games as outlined in the 1999 RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

GMA reasoned out on an open forum with the Makati Business Club (MBC) last Friday that she too does not want US troops doing combat in Basilan. Arroyo emphasized even that “it is the government’s policy to let Filipino soldiers do the fighting.”

Yet the most rampant fighting the Filipinos are doing at present is against the government as can be seen on the protests on the streets and within the administration. Aside from the “unconstitutionality” point of view, the people see Arroyo’s decision as putting the country back under American invasion and commercialization. These, add more an economy in turmoil (despite GMA’s press releases of 3.7% economic growth in 2001, a drop to less than 10% in unemployment and a promise of a plan to reimburse the $4.4 billion deficit she inherited), rumors of coup d'état, EDSA 2 backers bailing out from her, and a still firm support for ex-president Joseph Ejercito Estrada, have triggered the new "war."

Indeed, the opacity of Arroyo’s plans has pushed her to the edge of the precipice. These facts prove how Arroyo is unknowledgeable on how to utilize such arsenal, inching herself to committing hara-kiri instead of saving herself and the country.

However, there is a saving grace to all of this. After all, the main issue here is the US and its allies’ war against terrorism. The facts cannot deny that the Abus are connected with bin Laden. And with the US’ global pursuit to crack down terror once and for all, the Philippines is definitely among the major targets for this witch-hunt as the nation has been a nest of many foreign and local terror-mongers.

In a way, the “Balikatan” can be viewed as an act for a noble cause, only marred by greedy politicians. Perhaps, some of them view this as an opportunity to topple Arroyo and catapult themselves to political ascendancy by fermenting some decades-old fear of the Filipinos: the return to US rule. This may not be the case at all, since the world has seen the full effect of terrorists last Sept.11, and countries like the US are putting a cork on it despite the truth of their intentions. Filipinos should rather question themselves: Should the Philippines be a hindrance to the destruction of global terror?

Pride is also a likely culprit here; it is high time that the country should realize that the Philippine Army alone cannot handle a terrorist group backed up by international and wealthy terrorist organizations, such as that of bin Laden. Arroyo should sort these problems out first.

Everybody should also consider the US troops as an alternative to this war. However, people should keep in mind that the success of this option though depends with Arroyo; provisions and conditions should be duly imposed, ensuring that the government is on top of handling the war in Basilan. Also, the people and politicians should be united and one war is already enough. Nevertheless, as Education Secretary Raol Roco reminds the people, “the people must always be vigilant.”

Lastly, Arroyo should be more transparent to gain the favor of the people. Sorting out her plans behind this “Balikatan” should be done and aired as soon as possible. GMA should clear up her inconsistencies particularly the RP-US Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) which Ilocos Norte Rep. Imee Marcos attested to already being signed, but which Justice Secretary Hernando Perez testified as nonexistent before the Senate last Thursday.