PH, Indonesia, Malaysia launch joint air patrols vs terrorism

FILE: Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella made the announcement through a statement aired over Radio Pilipinas. (PCOO PHOTO)

MANILA — Malacañang on Saturday announced the launching of the joint Philippines-Indonesia-Malaysia air patrols in Malaysia in an effort to fight terrorism in the Southeast Asian region.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella made the announcement through a statement aired over Radio Pilipinas.

“The fight against terrorism in the region continues to get a boost,” Abella said.

He stressed that the coordinated joint air patrols among the three countries were launched “to better counter the movement of terrorist groups and to strengthen the security of our three nations and that of the region.”

“By sharing information and exchanging best practices, we hope to improve the interoperability of our forces and help better secure areas of common maritime interest,” Abella added.

Support for Pinoys in California 

In another statement, Abella extended the Palace’s sympathies to the families of victims whose lives and properties were lost during the raging Northern California wildfires.

The Spokesperson said the government continues to reach out to the Filipino communities in the affected areas, particularly in the Napa and Sonoma counties, to ascertain their condition.

He further stressed that the Philippines’ Consulate General in San Francisco is closely monitoring the situation.

The wildfires, which began on October 8, have swept through California’s Wine Country, leaving more than 30 deaths and thousands of people homeless.

The Palace, on the other hand, said none of the almost 18,000 Filipinos in the Wine Country and surrounding counties have been reported as among the casualties.