Defense chief cites Aussie, China, US aid to PH vs terrorism

FILE: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (Photo: Delfin Lorenzana‏/Twitter)

CLARK, Pampanga — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday announced the continuing support and assistance of partner countries Australia, China and United States to the Philippines in the fight against terrorism.

Lorenzana, in a press conference after the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus at the ASEAN Convention Center here, acknowledged the substantial assistance to the government by the three countries in the fight against terrorists in Marawi City and their willingness to extend their efforts to help the Philippines combat the terror threats.

Lorenzana said that he personally thanked US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis during their bilateral talks about his government’s assistance during the siege in Marawi City.

“I thanked him for the assistance that the US has given us in the fight against terrorism in Marawi City which I think is substantial assistance to us like the use of their assets such as surveillance planes and drones. They also provided us some information about terrorism,” he said.

Lorenzana said he is also looking forward to the US plan to come up with programs that could help fight terrorism.

He likewise cited the Chinese government’s assistance for the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City. This includes the 35 units of heavy equipment such as of bulldozers, loaders, dump trucks received by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) last week.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in June received 3,000 M16s, 90 sniper rifles, ammunition for M16s and M14s. An additional 3,000 M16s were recently handed over by the Chinese government, he said.

Lorenzana also said the Chinese government would provide four fast boats to AFP to be used in the Sulu Sea.

Meanwhile, Australia Defense Minister Marise Payne announced that their defense force would provide mobile training teams for the urban warfare counter-terrorism in the country. (PNA)