Defence takes fight to Philippines
PSNews
3 November 2017
The Department of Defence has entered into an agreement with the Government of the Philippines to ramp up training for the Philippines Armed Forces. The aim is to assist the Philippines in combating terrorist threats in the region,
including the spread of Islamic State (IS).
Minister for Defence, Senator Marise Payne said that under the agreement, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) would send mobile training teams to the Philippines to deliver urban warfare counter-terrorism training.
She said the agreement came after five months of fierce fighting in the southern Philippines city of Marawi, which was seized by IS-aligned terrorists in May, and she welcomed the announcement by the Philippines Government that
fighting in Marawi had now ended.
“The practical training the ADF will provide will ensure the Philippines defence force is better able to counter the brutal tactics being employed by terrorists,’’ Senator Payne said.
“Globally, we have seen the effect of extremist ideology and terrorist threats on millions of civilians and it is alarming to see this disruption come to our region.”
She said as part of the increased cooperation, Australia and the Philippines defence forces would work together to enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in the southern Philippines, strengthen information-sharing
arrangements and enhance maritime security engagement and bilateral maritime patrols.
“All nations must learn from the recent Marawi conflict and the Philippines’ experience,” Senator Payne said.
“Australia is committed to staying vigilant and is prepared to support and contribute to the regional security efforts of our closest friends.”