Philippine Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella (Photo: The Philippine Star)Hanoi (VNA) – The Philippines and Indonesia arestepping up cooperation to prevent the Islamic State (IS) terrorism frompenetrating Southeast Asia.
Ernesto Abella, spokesperson of Philippine President RodrigoDuterte, told the press on June 22 that President Duterte and his Indonesiancounterpart Joko Widodo discussed in a phone call on June 21 potential threatsposed by the alliance of local militants with the IS.
The two leaders reiterated the need to set up abilateral cooperation mechanism to cope with threats from terrorism andextremism.
President Widodo reaffirmed Indonesia’scommitments to support the Philippines in the fight against terrorism, includingrestoring peace and stability in southern Philippines.
In response, President Duterte stressed Manilawill closely coordinate with Jakarta to address the aforesaid matters.
The Philippines continues to battle terrorismand extremism in the southern region. The month-long fighting between governmenttroops and militants that have expressed allegiance to the IS is still underwayin Marawi city.
Since the fight started on May 23, at least 369people have been killed, including 67 soldiers and policemen.
Meanwhile, Indonesia has recently warned thatthe IS sleeper cells have existed in almost all cities and provinces of itscountry, triggering concern that the terrorist organisation is attempting toestablish its presence in Southeast Asia after its recent defeat in Iraq andSyria.-VNA
Ernesto Abella, spokesperson of Philippine President RodrigoDuterte, told the press on June 22 that President Duterte and his Indonesiancounterpart Joko Widodo discussed in a phone call on June 21 potential threatsposed by the alliance of local militants with the IS.
The two leaders reiterated the need to set up abilateral cooperation mechanism to cope with threats from terrorism andextremism.
President Widodo reaffirmed Indonesia’scommitments to support the Philippines in the fight against terrorism, includingrestoring peace and stability in southern Philippines.
In response, President Duterte stressed Manilawill closely coordinate with Jakarta to address the aforesaid matters.
The Philippines continues to battle terrorismand extremism in the southern region. The month-long fighting between governmenttroops and militants that have expressed allegiance to the IS is still underwayin Marawi city.
Since the fight started on May 23, at least 369people have been killed, including 67 soldiers and policemen.
Meanwhile, Indonesia has recently warned thatthe IS sleeper cells have existed in almost all cities and provinces of itscountry, triggering concern that the terrorist organisation is attempting toestablish its presence in Southeast Asia after its recent defeat in Iraq andSyria.-VNA
VNA
