The United States (US) government has pledged to provide more than P300mn in financial support for intelligence-gathering in the Philippines’ counter-terrorism effort, Malacanang announced yesterday.
In a statement, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Philippine government welcomed US support following the explosions that rocked Mindanao in January.
“We welcome the United States’ commitment in fighting terrorism.
This shows that our military alliance with the United States remains strong,” Panelo said.
Panelo noted that terrorists in Mindanao “have gained a foothold and have unleashed bombs that killed our soldiers and civilians,” but added it did not stop the people from participating in the second plebiscite on the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
“While the terroristic acts have created fear and anxiety in the inhabitants of the region, they however refused to be intimidated and cowed as they exercised their right of suffrage in the just-concluded plebiscite,” he said.
The Palace official reiterated that government forces would “relentlessly” hunt down the “mass murderers.”
“Our armed forces are relentlessly pursuing the mass murderers even as some of them have been criminally charged and presently detained,” Panelo said.
A day before the plebiscite on the ratification of the proposed BOL on February 6, explosions occurred in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lala and Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte province.
On January 21, majority of voters from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao voted in favour of the proposed BOL.
However, this was followed by two separate bombings in Zamboanga City and in Jolo, Sulu, claiming the lives of at least 23 people.
The Palace also said Japan was committed to help the Philippines quell terrorism.
In a separate statement, Panelo said this was promised by Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono on Saturday, during his courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City.
Panelo said Kono conveyed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s “grave concern” over the twin explosions in Jolo, Sulu.
“During that hour-long meeting, Kono reiterated Japan’s sustained support for the Philippines’ quest for just and lasting peace and development in Mindanao and extended felicitations for the success of the holding of the Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite,” Panelo said.
In a press briefing, Panelo said Japan did not specify the help.
“But we welcome all kinds of help.
As I said, all nations of the world must unite to combat terrorism,” he said Kono, the Palace said, informed the Philippine government that Japan was willing to open up its labour market for qualified Filipinos, in recognition of the Philippines’ contribution to the socio-economic development of Japan.
Duterte thanked Kono for the visit and lauded Japan for being a “true friend” for its involvement in the country’s “Build, Build, Build” programme, the Palace said.
“The President highlighted the quality of the infrastructure projects, as well as the transfer of technology and training embedded in the projects that would benefit Filipino practitioners and experts,” he said.
Duterte also expressed willingness to meet Abe anew, to discuss developments in bilateral ties.
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd mentioned that loan agreements formalised between the Philippines and Japan since 2016 had reached 398.82bn yen (about $3.63bn).
Related Story