KOTA KINABALU: The Philippines authorities said outsiders have been aiding terrorists in the country for a long time, including by sharing ‘bomb-making skills’.
Philippines Armed Forces (AFP) spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said this following the revelation that six foreigners, including Malaysians, were among the 31 militants killed during the battles with Philippine forces at Marawi City in Mindanao.
“Yes, there are Malaysians, Indonesians and even Singaporeans fighting there now as (Philippines Solicitor General) Jose Calida confirmed … so that confirms the presence of foreign terrorists.
“But we have been communicating with their governments to cooperate on whatever assistance, information-wise can be provided to us as well and vice-versa,” he said in a press conference at Davao City today.
Padilla said the identities of the six foreigners killed are still being validated. However sources from Bukit Aman have identified Abduraman Asmawi from Kelantan and Dr Kamsa Yahya from Kedah as among the casualties.
Padilla said that as part of martial law, efforts on the ground included ‘establishment of checkpoints in all areas and the possible declaration of curfew hours in certain parts of Mindanao’.
“The measures will be implemented because of the necessity for national security and the safety of the people. Such measures will be announced ahead of time and we ask the public to extend their full cooperation.
“AFP has not recommended the suspension of the freedom of expression but will exercise the right to censor based on the following; one to ensure the safety of lives, second to ensure operational security and the safety of our own men in uniform who are fighting, and for other national security considerations.
“On account of the doubts that have been expressed by many quarters, should public members witness abuses on the part of those implementing martial (law) and men in uniform who are tasked to do that, we encourage you to report them … to ensure the accountability of our men,” said Padilla.