Philippines thanks Australia, U.S., China and Russia for anti-terror support

DEFENSE SECRETARY Delfin Lorenzana said the Philippines has been getting continued support and assistance from Australia, China, Russia and United States in the fight against terrorism.

Lorenzana acknowledged the substantial assistance to the government by the three countries in the wake of the battle against local ISIS militants in Marawi City and their willingness to extend their efforts to help the Philippines combat terror threats hounding the country.

He personally thanked U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis during their bilateral talks about his government’s assistance during the siege in Marawi. “I thanked him for the assistance that the U.S. has given us in the fight against terrorism in Marawi City which I think is substantial assistance to us like the use of their assets such as surveillance planes and drones. They also provided us some information about terrorism,” Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana also said that he is also looking forward to the U.S. plan to come up with programs that could help fight terrorism. He likewise cited the Chinese government’s assistance for the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City. This includes the 35 units of heavy equipment such as of bulldozers, loaders, dump trucks received by the Department of Public Works and Highways recently.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines in June received 6,000 automatic M16 rifles, 90 sniper rifles, ammunition for M16s and M14s. Lorenzana said the Chinese government would provide four fast patrol boats to military to be used in guarding the Sulu Sea.

He said Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne announced that their defense force would provide mobile training teams for the urban warfare counter-terrorism in the country.

Russia also donated weapons and trucks to the military which President Rodrigo Duterte praised.