Palace welcomes Australia’s help to train PH troops vs terrorists

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella (Photo by JOAN BONDOC/Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Malacañang welcomed Wednesday the offer of Australia to train government troops in the fight against terrorists following the Marawi siege.

“The offer of Australia to train the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is most welcome.
The fight against terrorism – to reiterate — is not only the concern of the Philippines, but it is a concern of many nations around the world,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop said the Australian government has offered the Philippine to train the military in its fight against terrorism.

Australia earlier sent surveillance planes in Marawi City to help the government in its fight against Islamic-State inspired terrorists.

“The Philippines has in many occasions expressed its willingness to receive assistance from foreign countries if they offer it,” Abella said.

He, however, said that assistance was “limited to technical matters, training and information gathering and sharing.”

“It will not involve any boots on the ground in accordance to our law prohibiting the direct participation of foreign troops in combat operations,” he said.