The government pointed out that US troops may not be fighting the Abu Sayyaf and that the "rules of engagement" are still to be worked out. The constitution bans foreign combat troops on Filipino territory, so the government has to do some fancy legal footwork to stay on the right side of Filipino law. Despite the inability of the army and marines to wipe out the Abu Sayyaf, American troops can only be brought in if the public relations aspect is handled effectively.