Counterterrorism still Australia's top priority in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Counterterrorism will remain as Australia's top priority in its partnership with the Philippines for this year, Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely said Wednesday.

In May 2017, the Australian government committed to boosting the capacity of the regional countries, including the Philippines, to combat the threat of terrorism.

Australia was among the countries that provided assistance to the Philippines during the conflict in Marawi City brought about by ISIS-inspired local terrorists.

"Our focus will be in continuing to work with the Armed Forces of the Philippines on meeting the specific specialized training needs that they have in order to make them more resilient and able to deal with these sorts of situation should they arise again," Gorely said during a journalists' reception at her residence.

The Australian government sent two surveillance aircraft to the Philippines while the fight against local terror groups in Marawi was ongoing in June last year.

In October 2017, Australia deployed its forces to train Filipino troops on urban warfare following the siege in the capital city of Lanao del Sur.

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"Australia provided a number of different types of support which were described to Prime Minister [Malcolm] Turnbull by the chief of the staff Gen. [Rey] Guerrero as game-changing assistance," Gorely said.

Gorely added that Australian troops who assisted in the Marawi siege also learned from their Filipino counterparts.

"Also, we are learning from the Filipino forces about the experience in the situations that they encountered in Marawi so it is a two-way thing... That was really valuable as well," she added.

The Australian envoy expressed concern that ISIS-inspired local terrorists may be regrouping after the liberation of war-torn Marawi.

Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely delivers her opening remarks for the annual journalists reception hosted by the Australian Embassym @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/ivKha0bcjS

— Patricia Lourdes Viray (@patriciaviray) January 23, 2018

She reminded the Philippines to remain vigilant against radicalization, particularly in Mindanao. She added that displaced persons in Marawi will be vulnerable to radicalization.

"We're working with various partners here in the Philippines to support activities countering violent extremism. We have also supported efforts in the Philippines toward peace-building," she said.

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