After three countries launched their joint efforts to fight ISIS threats in Mindanao, the Australian government is joining ASEAN's efforts to suppress emerging terrorism in Mindanao.
The Australian government signified to have its P-3 Orion surveillance airfcraft fly over Mindanao to provide Filipino troops real-time information so they can effectively fight rising terrorists in the region.
Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne told Philippine media that the "Philippines accepted our suggestion that two Austrailian Air Force P-3 Orion aircraft will be allowed to operate in Mindanao as the battle is going on in Marawi City."
Australia will work with our ASEAN partners to counter terror threats particular from Daesh and foreign fighters that have direct threat to Australia's interest," Payne said.
Payne also said that he already met with Philippine Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana and discussed how Australia can help the Philippines fight extremism.
"We agreed that we will work together to find different ways to defeat terrorism," Payne added.
Philippine soldiers continue to battle over a hundred ISIS-inspired militants in Marawi City and the ongoing battle has already killed more than 200 militants, 67 security forces and 26 civilians while more than 300,000 residents fled Marawi city and settled in temporary evacuation centers in nearby towns.
Aside from Australia, the US government is also helping Filipino troops fight the ISIS-inspired militants through technical assistance and information gathering.
