Leni grateful for US help vs Maute
“We thank not just them (US) but all those who are providing assistance to us. This is the essence of community of nations, in times of need they help each other,” Robredo said in an interview in Taysan, Batangas. AP/Aaron Favila, File
MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Leni Robredo yesterday thanked the US government for assisting the military in the ongoing operations against the Maute terrorist group as she also stressed the importance of maintaining good relations with the international community.
“We thank not just them (US) but all those who are providing assistance to us. This is the essence of community of nations, in times of need they help each other,” Robredo said in an interview in Taysan, Batangas.
“No country can face all its problems alone, that’s why it is important that we cultivate this kind of relationship,” she added.
The assistance came after months of strain in US-Philippine relations, stoked by President Duterte’s hostility towards Washington and his pledges to throw US troops out of the country.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed getting technical assistance from the US in the campaign against the Maute terrorists, which attacked Marawi City on May 23 displacing more than 200,000 people and killing close to 80 civilians, soldiers and policemen.
Duterte, who has declared martial law in the entire Mindanao, has said he did not seek help from the US, but was nevertheless thankful for the assistance.
He earlier slammed the US, European Union and the UN for criticizing his war on drugs.
Last month, he also rejected some 250 million euros in grant from EU, saying this “may be used as the reason for interfering in the internal affairs of the country.”
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