Philippines, Indonesia eye summit on terrorism with Malaysia

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Indonesia are working out a summit on international terrorism with Malaysia, President Duterte said on Wednesday as Filipino troops prepare for their final assault on Marawi City against Islamic State-linked militants.

Duterte said he and Indonesian President Joko Widodo are still awaiting word from Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on the meeting.

“Widodo and I have yet to hear from Najib. He wants us, the three of us, to meet somewhere to talk about this new phenomenon of international terrorism,” the President said in remarks at the oath taking of newly promoted police officials in Malacañang on Wednesday.

Last June, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia launched joint maritime patrols to combat terrorism and other transnational crimes.

Officials said a trilateral border agreement is in place to prevent and restrict the movement of terrorists as well as stop kidnappings at sea.

The three Southeast Asian countries also agreed to share information, exchange liaison officers, share assets and form joint headquarters.

The launching of joint maritime patrols came as Philippine security forces were fighting jihadists who laid siege to Marawi City.

Duterte warned that the Philippines has not seen the last of the terrorists.

“I do not think that the siege in Marawi would be the beginning and the end. It has begun in Sulu many years ago and the number of times that we were humiliated as a country,” the President said.

“We cannot even protect our own, more so with the number of tourists who disregard warnings and go there. And that Malacca Strait there, the great expanse is the Sulu Sea then it gets to be constricted because you have to ply the Malacca Strait,” he added.

To counter the terrorist threat, Duterte said he would form five to seven battalions of elite police and acquire additional jets and fast boats.

“I am looking for money and I want the Philippine National Police to as soon as possible recruit and organize about five to seven battalions of SAF-trained,” the President said.

 “I do not need at this time the large, gray ships. All I need are fast boats to pursue the pirates and terrorists,” he added.

He is also planning to double the number of lead-in fighter trainer jets from 12 to 24 to achieve a “credible Air Force.”