Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 10) — Officials on ground zero are asking leaders at the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Meetings to focus on the Marawi crisis and the impact of extremism in the region.
As the Philippines gears up for the start of the summit next week, Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra and Lanao del Sur’s crisis management committee spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong urge officials to find ways to address the threat of terrorism in Southeast Asia.
The officials warned the spread of violent extremism is more urgent than other issues. They said terrorists can strike anywhere and any time, just like what happened to their city.
“Well it is very important na maging focus no itong what happened to Marawi city,” Mayor Majul Gandamra said.
Marawi was attacked by ISIS-linked Maute forces on May 23. During the five-month long clash, the military revealed some of the terrorists helping Maute forces were from neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.
Adiong said, Marawi “took all the beating” in order to prevent the rise of terrorism across Southeast Asia.
Both officials said the ASEAN should agree on how to further prevent their citizens from committing acts of terror in other nations.
One way to do this, Gandamra suggests, is for countries like Indonesia and Malaysia to improve the screening of their citizens travelling to other countries.
“Hindi lang yung suporta nila in terms of logistical…Armed logistics or financial support but as well as yung kanilang pagcontain sa kanilang nationals, yung would be terrorists na puwedeng pumasok dito sa Pilipinas,” Gandamra said
[Translation: It’s not just support in terms of armed logistics or financial support, but including hwo they contain their nationals– the would be terrorists who might enter the Philippines.]
They add, however, this does not mean allowing countries to send troops to the Philippines as this action would violate the country’s sovereignty.
They said the military is capable of fighting armed groups in the country.
Over 900 terrorists, 47 civilians, and 165 government troops were killed in Marawi since the fighting began on May 23. The government estimates it may take more than P50 billion to rebuild the City.
The 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings will take place in Clark Field, Pampanga and in Manila from November 10 to 14.
Over 20 world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, are expected to attend the meetings.
