Wesmincom: No foreign mercenaries allowed, needed in Marawi

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines will not allow foreign mercenaries, like those the US has hired in the Middle East, to help retake Marawi from the Islamic State-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups.

 

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, said that aside from the 1987 Constitution prohibiting the direct involvement of foreign nations or nationals, the AFP can handle the situation in the besieged city.

 

“We cannot allow mercenaries to be here. Our constitution prohibits any direct involvement of foreign nation or nationals in interfering in our internal affairs and security operations,” Galvez said.

 

A US-based private security firm made has indicated planning to come to the Philippines to help just months after the Maute and the Abu Sayyaf group pledged their allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

 

Galvez said the AFP is handling the situation in Marawi despite operational challenges and limitations.

 

“We have very motivated and well-trained soldiers. I am very much delighted by their audacity and perseverance. I have the best Filipino soldiers at hand,” Galvez said.

 

He said there is no need for mercenaries, sometimes also called private contractors, to come over as that will just worsen the situation due to the cultural sensitivities on the ground.

 

“This problem is not merely a military problem. It is more on generational, complex socio-cultural and behavioral problem which requires a more holistic solution,” Galvez added.

 

Meanwhile, the military clarified the presence of US military personnel in civilian attire seen in Lanao del Sur are in the area only for technical assistance based on the Visiting Forces Agreement.

 

“It’s purely [for] technical assistance and technical advice,” Galvez said.

 

A handful of US military personnel are at the Wesmincom headquarters as liaison for any possible technical assistance to Filipino counterparts.