MANILA, Jan. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States ambassador to Manila Francis Ricciardone admitted Monday that about 70 to 74 American military intelligence operatives are operating in the country.

    However, Ricciardone stressed that they are in the Philippines to provide anti-terrorism training and advice to the country's military and police.

    "In general, here is ongoing cooperation and intelligence fusion. About 70 to 74 US military men are helping intelligence operations," Ricciardone told the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines.

    He said that the United States will impart its knowledge to Philippine troops to bring intelligence sharing and training between the two countries "closer in real time."

    Ricciardone did not say how long the troops would stay in the Philippines or the legal basis for their stint in the country.

    The Philippine constitution bars the entry of foreign forces inthe country unless covered by a treaty. The Philippines has no status of forces agreement with the United States.

    Ricciardone explained that the line of defense cooperation and training is clear and defined.

    "We try to enable them by helping with training, advice, specialized navy units training seaborne, and strengthen command and control," he said.

    He said that size of military contingent involved in the intelligence training may also vary. "It's a series of different exercises, coming and going for short period of time. They are integrated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for a specific short term tasks under the Visiting Forces Agreement," hesaid.

    Ricciardone maintained that the United States did not violate the Philippine Constitution since they are only "temporary guests"of the AFP.

    He immediately doused speculations of a de facto US military base in the southern Philippines.

    The ambassador assured "no permanent structures or microscopic territory" will be built under their management and control.

    "Your troops and policemen are the ones doing the chasing. We are on side of the Philippine government when it comes to combating terror," he said.

    "Anytime you want us to go, say the word and we're gone," he added. Enditem