Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Wednesday night called President Duterte to reaffirm Indonesia’s commitment to support the Philippines’s fight against the Maute Group terrorists.
According to Presidential Spokesman Ernesto C. Abella, Duterte and Widodo agreed to heighten the region’s war against terror, as the threat of Islamist extremism looms within Southeast Asia.
“They both reaffirmed the need to step up cooperation to address threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism,” Abella said. “Overall, the call was productive and fruitful.”
On top of this, Abella added that Widodo assured Duterte of Indonesia’s all-out support in the Philippines’s ongoing operation against the Maute Group terrorists. According to Abella, Widodo is concerned about the restoration of peace and stability in southern Philippines.
“[The] President [Duterte] 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.
Aside from this, the two leaders noted the significance of continuing with the trilateral meeting between Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines on Thursday in Manila. Abella added the meeting was intended to bolster Southeast Asia’s coordinated action in foiling terror attacks and activities within the region.
Duterte on Wednesday said in an interview with reporters in Cagayan de Oro City that he would call Widodo to inquire about Indonesian nationals reportedly fighting on the side of the Maute Group.
Sounding unimpressed, Duterte said he has “many questions” for Widodo. Malacañang has yet to disclose what are these questions the Chief Executive asked his Indonesian counterpart.
Security forces engaged in the conflict in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, were able to slay foreign fighters on the side of the Islamist militants, some identified to be Malaysians and Indonesians. Defense authorities speculate that foreign fighters might have joined the ranks of the Maute Group through the backdoor channels in the Sulu and Celebes Seas.