It has already been over three months that I-S has seized and occupied the city of Marawi, Mindanao. Filipino government has indicated it needs Australia and international communities help to fight I-S. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull stated that "he did not want to see Marawi as the Raqqa of Southeast Asia". But what are the assistance that Australia provide to the Philippines?
Recently, Australia has already sent to spy planes to help Filipino government fight against I-S in its southern province. However, it also indicated that it needs more help from Australia and other countries to fight terrorists in this region.
According to Australian Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop's confirmation, Australian officials are to discuss about the assistance for the Philippines which will include advising, assisting and training but there will be no Australian troops on the ground as Filipino's constitutions has banned foreign forces taking combat roles.
Labor said it will support Australian government just matter of if the government is ready, however, Richard Di Natalie, Australian Greens leader has voiced concerns that "any Australian assistance to Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte, could expose Australian troop to war crimes as this president has been involved in extrajudicial killing and shown no regard for the rule of law."
