GMA might agree to bring back US base in RP

MANILA, Philippines -- President Arroyo might agree to a basing of American troops in the strife-torn Mindanao when she meets with US President Barack Obama in Washington, militant group Bayan said today.

"Mrs. Arroyo will be desperately seeking the approval and support of the US government, now that her stay in power is about to end. She may offer the US concessions for the basing of US soldiers in Mindanao and a greater US role in so-called counter-terrorism efforts in the country," Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said.

Meanwhile, several anti-Arroyo groups, led by Bayan, marched to the US Embassy to protest what they described as "unequal RP-US relations."

Across the US, similar protests by Filipino and American groups were also held, according to Reyes.

"In her desperation to stay in power, she may offer the US de facto basing rights, increased troop deployment and 100 percent foreign ownership of land. We have to closely monitor whatever deal they will strike," Reyes said.

Earlier, Mrs. Arroyo met on separate occasions with US Defense Secretary David Gates and Central Intelligence Agency director Leon Panetta.

"Defense cooperation and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) appear to weigh heavily in recent meetings with top US officials. It may be the same for the Arroyo-Obama meeting," Reyes added.

American troops have been on rotation in Mindanao since 2002 under the VFA. - By Dennis Carcamo (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)