Rody, US Pacom chief discuss Marawi conflict

Admiral Harry Harris Jr., commander of the US Pacific Command, met with President Duterte the other day to discuss the support of the United States to the Philippine government in the ongoing efforts to end the conflict in Marawi City.

Harris visited the Philippines from Aug. 23 to 24 to meet with Philippine military and government leaders.

During the meeting with the President at Malacañang, Harris discussed the interoperability of the Philippine and US militaries as well as threats in the region.

On Wednesday, he participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City to honor the sacrifice and bravery of the Filipino military heroes buried there.

He also met with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Eduardo Año and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

Among the focus of Harris’ meetings were the upcoming bilateral engagements, recent aid and military assistance the US government has provided to the Philippines and opportunities for additional US support in Marawi.

Yesterday, Harris traveled to Zamboanga City to meet Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, Westmincom spokesperson, said Harris vowed to extend US assistance, including technical assistance and training on urban type operation, to the Philippine military, which continues to battle groups affiliated with the Islamic State in the country.

She added that Galvez presented Harris reports about the technical assistance provided by the US in counterterror operations.