AUSTRALIAN Ambassador for counter-terrorism Roger Noble visited Camp Aguinaldo last Wednesday to discuss with the Philippine military measures to counter future terrorism threats. Noble and acting AFP vice chief Vice Adm. Rommel Anthony Reyes reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to “mutually-beneficial engagements” during their meeting, according to AFP public affairs chief Col. Jorry Baclor.
Baclor said Noble, who is leading Australia’s international engagements on counter-terrorism, noted the Philippines “has some of the best practices in countering local terrorism which his government can learn from.”
He said Reyes commented that support from the government and the people helped the Armed Forces “effectively address this concern.”
There are several terrorist groups, including the Abu Sayyaf, in some parts of Mindanao but their capability has been greatly diminished due to relentless military operations.
“The two leaders also discussed cooperation in terms of best practice sharing, intelligence exchange, and counter-terrorism training to prepare for future challenges, including the resurgence of threats with the normalization of foreign travel,” said Baclor.
Baclor said Reyes “emphasized that it is essential to identify groups that fund these terrorists which the international community play a vital role.”
He said Noble and Reyes “likewise affirmed both countries’ continued commitment to mutually beneficial engagements on counter-terrorism and disaster response.”
Australia and the Philippines signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement in 2007. It was ratified by President Aquino in 2010 and concurred by the Senate in 2012.
After the siege of Marawi City by members of the terrorist Maute Group in 2017, Australia sent troops to the Philippine to train Filipino troops on urban warfare.
