Palace: Designation of Maute Group as terrorist entity shows solidarity of int'l community

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Wednesday called the inclusion of ISIS affiliate Maute Group in the United States State Department’s list of terrorist entities a “positive development” in the campaign against terrorism.

In a statement, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the designation of Maute Group, which is responsible for the five-month long siege in Marawi City, as specially designated global terrorists “shows the solidarity and resolve of the international community to flush out evil forces to make the world safe and secure.”

The move also reaffirmed the government’s belief that Maute Group is composed of local terrorists aided by foreign extremists, the presidential mouthpiece noted.

“This likewise recognizes the decisive action we have taken in liberating Marawi from these terrorists, which resulted in the success of the government in thwarting the establishment of an Islamic caliphate in the area and the containing of the rebellion from spreading to other parts of the Philippines,” he said.

READ: US classifies ISIS-Philippines, Maute group as terror organizations

The US state department recently branded ISIS-Philippines, ISIS-West Africa and ISIS-Bangladesh as specially designated global terrorists and as foreign terrorist organizations.

Aside from Maute Group, ISIS-Somalia, Jund al-Khilafah-Tunisia, ISIS-Egypt and ISIS-affiliated leaders Mahad Moalim and Abu Musab al-Barwani have been also classified as specially designated global terrorists.

The Department of Foreign Affairs also welcomed the move of the US government, noting that countering terrorism continues to be a priority of the administration.

“Terrorism is a global and regional challenge and cooperation with key allies is critical in averting terrorist operations,” DFA Undersecretary Ernesto Abella said in a press briefing Wednesday.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi from terrorists after Marawi siege leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute were killed in a military operation