By Muslim militant groups of the Wahabi doctrine based in the Southwestern part of the Philippines have been engaged in the insurgency for an Independent province in the country. This group is famous for violence and responsible for “worst terrorists’ attacks” for more than four decades.
On Sunday 11th June, 2017 President of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte clearly stated in his interview to an Al-Jazeera News Channel clearly stated that we didn’t seek any help from Washington to end the seize of the southern Philippines town by the Islamic militants. “I have never approach America for help,” The president said during a News Conference in Cagayan de Oro City.
Later a day after Washington said that it was providing assistance at the request of the government. Even the Philippines military confirming a statement from US embassy in Manila said on Saturday 9th June, 2017 that US were providing technical assistance but had “no boots on the ground”.
President said that he was not aware of that until they arrived. He further included that when asked for US support to fight against militants in Marawi on the Island of Mindanao.
President Duterte declared martial law on Mindanao an island the size of South Korea, against the Islamic militant forces. He said, “Under the martial law I have an authority over the defense department.” He also said, “Our soldiers are pro-Americans,” because of years of training under US.
Initially, there is no presence of America in Philippines but for years Americans troops are doing rotational exercises, confirming that they were helping the Philippine military in Marawai as security assistance and training in the areas of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
The Presidential spokesman said, “The fight against terrorism, however, is not only the concern of the Philippines or the United states but its concern is with many nations around the world. The Philippines is open to assistance from the other countries if they offer,” he concluded.
If we look back in past, Filipinos welcomed America to get rid from Spain. After defeating Spanish, American had been overcame that state as allies since 1902. Later the Treaty of Manila granted Philippines as “full independence” from United States of America in 1946.
Correspondent: Syeda Faiza Bukhari