Japan vows maximum aid for Marawi rehab

TOKYO – Japan yesterday promised to help the Philippines rebuild conflict-torn Marawi City as well as other infrastructure in a deepening of ties to counter China’s regional influence.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made the pledge in a joint statement with President Duterte following talks here.

Duterte on Oct. 23 announced the end of five months of military operations in Marawi held by Islamic State-inspired terrorists in a conflict that destroyed much of the city’s center and displaced some 300,000 people.

“The government of Japan recognizes that rehabilitation and reconstruction of the city of Marawi is extremely important,” the joint statement declared. “We will provide maximum support to the restoration and reconstruction of Marawi City and we will strengthen support of Mindanao toward the establishment of an autonomous government.”

Japan also offered to help with other projects ranging from rail infrastructure to river defenses, including a possible 600-billion-yen loan to help fund development of a subway in Manila.

The meeting was an opportunity for Abe to discuss security in Asia ahead of key regional meetings beginning with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering in Vietnam in November.

“I confirmed with President Duterte that we are both maritime nations sharing basic values and strategic interests,” Abe said.

Duterte thanked Abe for supporting the Philippines’ efforts to address terrorism and violent extremism and his readiness to provide timely assistance to residents affected by the Marawi crisis.  

“It is, therefore, fitting and proper, that after the liberation of Marawi City from the grip of Maute terrorists, my first official visit overseas takes place in Japan --- a true friend who has stood squarely behind the Philippines in my country’s onward advance (to) greater peace, progress and prosperity,” the President said. 

The two countries, Abe  said, would address common issues including North Korea and “a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Japan is concerned about China’s growing power in the South China Sea and sees cooperation with the Philippines, which lies on the waterway’s eastern side, as key in helping prevent Beijing’s influence spreading into the western Pacific.

Duterte, unlike his predecessor Benigno Aquino III, has been less critical of Beijing’s island building in the South China Sea. The Philippine leader is set to return to Manila today after an audience with the Japanese emperor.

Abe and Duterte will travel to Vietnam for the two-day APEC meeting from Nov. 11, which US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend.

Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other countries in the region will meet again in the Philippines after the APEC gathering for the ASEAN and East Asia summits that will be chaired by Duterte.