American troops are about to join in operations against the Abu Sayyaf group in the Philippines, in a controversial move which has led to constitutional criticism of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for allowing U.S. troops to join in operations in the country.

About 1,000 Abu Sayyaf rebels are thought to be on Basilan island, where they have been active for some years and recently have held foreign tourists and Filipino hostage. Abu Sayyaf has close links with Osama bin Laden's Al Qaida, and the Americans see their involvement in the Philippines as continuing their action against such groups. U.S. Secretary of Defence, Donald Rumsfeld, said two days ago that any commitment of troops in the Philippines was for exercises, training and to act as observers. This seems unlikely to be the whole picture, since other sources have said that 160 active U.S. troops and 500 support staff are ready to act against Abu Sayyaf.

The popular concern is that Filipino sovereignty has been infringed by the president in accepting U.S. troops. Her Defence Secretary Angelo Reyes has said the United States offered troops for a combat role, but that Arroyo refused, only accepting technology and equipment. At face value it all appears to be reasonable, however all too many people have memories of U.S. "advisors" actually running wars in several countries.

It is important that the Filipinos retain control of the command structure of their action against Abu Sayyaf, and that the U.S. troops do not take over any such role. The exact support and aid that the troops give the Filipinos is not so significant, particularly since the American troops will not be there for very long.