PUERTO PRINCESA — Palawan Bishop Pedro Arigo said on Saturday he does not believe that American troops are in the country for nothing.

Reacting to queries about the continued stay of US troops in the Philippines, Arigo said the Americans have decided to remain because they have some “vested interest.’’

A total of 600 soldiers who are experts in counter-insurgency operation have remained in the country after the US government reportedly decided to keep them because they were instrumental in the capture of leaders of the bandit Abu Sayyaf Group and rogue elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"Napaka-complicated ng isyu tungkol sa kasong yan. Unang una, pag sinabi natin let them stay, ang mangyayari niyan talagang in effect we are admitting na hindi kaya ng ating Armed Forces ang insurgency sa Pilipinas at panatilihin ang kapayapaan sa ating bayan,'' Arigo said in an interview over Radio Veritas.

“Yan namang US forces, yung kanilang pag-stay dito sa bansa ay mayroon vested interest. Huwag nating sabihin na kaya sila nandyan eh to help the Filipino people. Mayroon silang ibang interest dyan at nasa gobyerno na ang pagpapasya dito,’’ he added.

The Palawan bishop, however, expressed optimism that the presence and assistance given by the US military will eventually expedite the resumption of peace and order in war-torn Basilan.

Recently, 23 soldiers were killed during a combat operation against the bandit group in the troubled island province.

Reports said 31 Abu Sayyaf and rogue MILF men were also killed during the battle.

Meanwhile, Arigo slammed religious leaders who had expressed their intent to run for president in the 2010 elections.

El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde and Jesus is Lord Movement head Bro. Eddie Villanueva earlier said they are eyeing the presidency in May next year.

Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio, also a priest before he became a public official, had previously articulated his desire to run for the highest post in the land.

“Bakit sila papasok pa sa pulitika? Ang dami-dami pang mga qualified lay leaders na may integrity, may competence, etc. Katulad halimbawa kay Gov. (Ed) Panlilio na palagay ko na justified lamang ang gagawin niya kapag talagang sabihin natin na wala na talagang ibang qualified,’’ Arigo pointed out.

The Palawan bishop said religious leaders can serve better inside the church.

“Hindi naman namin gamay ang governance. We were trained to be priests. Ang competence namin hindi sa pulitika kundi sa simbahan. We were trained and formed and developed as religious leaders,’’ he stressed.