ASEAN leaders commend, commit to Marawi recovery efforts

MANILA, Nov. 16 – "Less than a month ago, Philippine government forces liberated the city of Marawi from terrorist groups who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State." 

This was how President Duterte opened the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit on Monday. Off the bat, Duterte set the tone of the subsequent discussions to be made during the three days' worth of meetings, which mostly dealt with the growing threat of terrorism. 

The Philippine president, heading the ASEAN this year, thanked the ASEAN leaders and its partners for providing assistance to Marawi City's recovery process, with its citizens beginning to return to the conflict-stricken areas. 

In line with this, attendees of the meetings continued to commit to help the internally displaced people (IDPs) get back on their feet. 

Aside from the 1.5 billion yen (P676 million) they initially guaranteed to give the Philippines, for maritime safety and the reconstruction of Marawi, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also committed to donate rice to the people affected by the crisis. 

In addition, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, whose country had provided assistance through funding relief goods, announced the delivery of relief supplies and funding for humanitarian response amounting to AUD1.5 million (P60 million). Australia also assured that they will help Filipinos "win the peace." 

US President Donald Trump also pitched in, pledging P7.2 billion for Marawi rehabilitation efforts. 

Moreover, foreign ministers at the 20th ASEAN Coordinating Council meeting and leaders such as Indian Prime Minister Modi commended the Duterte administration's efforts to address terrorism on Philippine soil. 

"We have individually strived very hard to fight terrorism and violent extremism. It is time that we jointly address this challenge by intensifying cooperation in this crucial area," Modi said during the 15th ASEAN-India Summit. 

Collectively, ASEAN leaders condemned the terrorism and violent extremism, and committed itself to implementing measures to counter these threats. 

"We are committed to effectively implement the ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism (ACCT), while taking into account the international instruments and guidelines, including the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, and the United Nations Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism," a draft 31st ASEAN Summit statement said. 

For his part, President Duterte is intent on restoring Marawi City and the lives of its people, and is confident government efforts on this priority will have enough to rely on. 

“I was informed by my revenue officials that there’s enough to start, to lay the foundation of the city again,” he said during the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit.  

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1001846