Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 22) — President Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo reaffirmed the bilateral cooperation to counter terrorism and extremism in Southeast Asia, Malacañang said.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella described the early evening phone conversation between the two leaders as “productive and fruitful”. The call happened at 7:30 p.m.
“They both reaffirmed the need to step up cooperation to address threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism,” Abella said in a Palace briefing Thursday.
Abella added both leaders noted the importance of the trilateral security meeting between the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
The three neighbors have begun joint naval patrols, dubbed Indomalphi, on Monday to curb terrorism and piracy.
Abella also pointed out President Widodo reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to support the country in countering terrorism, as well as restoring peace and stability in Mindanao.
On May 23, a group led by Omar and Abdullah Maute, and Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon attacked Marawi in hopes of establishing a caliphate of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The crisis prompted President Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao, as the ISIS-linked group raised alarms in Southeast Asian neighbors.
Read more: Duterte: I was forced to declare martial law to prevent civil war
“The President also welcomed the Indonesian President’s expression of commitment and emphasized the Philippine government’s full resolve to work closer together with Indonesia and like-minded states to address these issues,” Abella said.
Speaking to reporters in Cagayan de Oro on Tuesday, Duterte said he will talk to Widodo about Indonesian nationals involved with ISIS.
“He will ask questions and I have so many questions for him,” Duterte said.
The crisis in Marawi has left 369 dead: 276 terrorists , 67 government troops, and 26 civilians.
