Palace welcomes Australia’s offer to train Filipino soldiers vs terrorists

August 30, 2017

Malacanang welcomed on Wednesday Australia's offer to train the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the fight against terrorists.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella reiterated that any actual combat operation by foreign troops in the country is not allowed.

"The fight against terrorism – to reiterate -- is not only the concern of the Philippines, but it is a concern of many nations around the world," he said.

He noted the Philippines has in many occasions expressed its willingness to receive assistance from foreign countries if they offer it.

"Assistance, however, is limited to technical matters, training, and information gathering and sharing. It will not involve any boots on the ground in accordance to our law prohibiting the direct participation of foreign troops in combat operations," Abella said.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has said her government is prepared to send additional assistance to the Philippines in the form of training to the Filipino soldiers.

Earlier, Australia also provided two Australian Defence Force AP-3C Orion aircraft as surveillance support for the Filipino soldiers who have been pursuing the Islamic State-inspired militants in Marawi City. Celerina Monte/DMS