Phl open to foreign aid against terrorists

MANILA, Philippines -  The Philippines is open to assistance from foreign governments who want to fight terrorism, Malacañang said yesterday as it confirmed the involvement of the United States in the campaign against the Maute terrorists in Marawi City. 

But President Duterte told reporters in Cagayan de Oro yesterday that he was not aware the US was helping government troops fighting Maute members.

“I never approached any American to ask for help. Miski wala na silang tulong (We can do it without their help),” he said.

Duterte, nevertheless, is thankful for the assistance. “Nandiyan na rin iyan (It’s already there). It could save lives,” he said.

The Philippines and its traditional ally, the US, has had an uncomfortable relationship since Duterte assumed office. He has repeatedly assailed the US under then president Barack Obama for supposedly interfering with his bloody war on illegal drugs.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the US provided “technical assistance” and no American soldier was directly involved in combat operations. 

“The United States is assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its operations in Marawi but this is limited to technical assistance,” Abella said in a statement. 

“The fight against terrorism, however, is not only the concern of the Philippines or the United States but it is a concern of many nations around the world. The Philippines is open to assistance from other countries if they offer it,” he added. 

Abella reiterated that the role of the US “does not involve any boots on the ground,” noting that the law prohibits foreign troops from participating directly in combat operations.

He said there are standing protocols that allow the two countries to cooperate in the fight against terrorism. The protocols are under the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board, which is under the purview of the Mutual Defense Treaty signed by the two countries in 1951.