ENVOY: US MILITARY AID TO CONTINUE
The United States (US) will continue to extend its military cooperation to the Philippines, US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said Monday.
“We have stated already that we continue our cooperation and support with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. I don’t think it would be appropriate to go into technical details of what we’re providing but I do think it’s important to note that this cooperation has continued,” Kim said at the sidelines of the commemoration of the 119th anniversary of Philippine independence.
“All I can say is that this is a cooperation that has continued for some time now. It’s a cooperation that’s appreciated by the Philippines’ military. It’s a cooperation that has continued with the knowledge of the Philippines’ government,” he added.
Kim’s statement came a day after President Rodrigo Duterte said he was unaware of the US military’s assistance to Philippine troops in Marawi City, where Maute Group fighters have continued to occupy some areas.
In a visit to Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City Sunday, Duterte said he never approached America.
“I have not done that, I have not made an appeal. I didn’t even know that the American government is providing technical (assistance),” Duterte said. He was, however, grateful for the assistance, he added.
Duterte said he was not aware that the US was extending military assistance to government troops in Marawi “until they arrived.”
“When I declared martial law, I gave the power to the Defense department. Di ako nakikialam (I do not interfere),” Duterte said Sunday.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, however, hinted Monday that Duterte was on top of operations pertaining to Marawi.
“The President has been working 24/7 meeting with the troops, meeting the commanders, and then, late last night, visiting the wounded and killed (soldiers in Marawi),” Cayetano said to explain the President’s absence from the Independence Day rites.
Fighting in Marawi is approaching its fourth week. The military had targeted to free the city of the Maute fighters yesterday. As of 4 p.m., the military has not achieved this target.
The battle erupted on May 23, after troops raided the hideout of militant Isnilon Hapilon, whose followers, with the help of the Maute Group, fought back.
Duterte was prompted to declare martial law in Mindanao for 60 days.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto said that Duterte, through his General Order 1, has designated Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP chief-of-staff General Eduardo Año as martial law administrator and implementor, respectively.
“They can take all measures to prevent and suppress all acts of rebellion and lawless violence, including seeking technical assistance from the United States, within the limits prescribed by the Constitution,” he added.
It’s a cooperation that’s appreciated by the Philippines’ military. It’s a cooperation that has continued with the knowledge of the Philippines’ government. SUNG KIM US Ambassador to the Philippines