This was published 6 years ago
Payne: Australia 'ready to assist' Philippines in Mindanao battle with Islamists
By Lauren Farrow
Singapore: Australia stands "ready to assist" the Philippines as government forces battle Islamic State-linked militants in the country's south, Defence Minister Marise Payne says.
The threat from North Korea, anxiety over a coercive China and the threat of terrorism dominated talks between Australia and other regional countries at a security summit in Singapore over the past two days.
A Philippine marine signals his men to slow down as they near a corner at the frontline in Marawi city on Sunday.Credit: AP
Speaking at the end of her and Mr Turnbull's visit to Singapore, Ms Payne said on Saturday night that the concern about North Korea and the issue of returning foreign fighters were the two biggest causes of concern raised with her.
The current battle in the southern city of Marawi between government forces and militants linked to Islamic State was a reminder of what "could prospectively come to pass" if the region was not careful.
Displaced residents of Marawi city cry upon receiving assurance of support from local officials at an evacuation centre in Balo-i township, Lanao del Norte province, on Wednesday. Credit: AP
"We have indicated to the Philippines ... we stand ready to assist if there is a request," she told reporters.
Mr Turnbull said Australia already cooperated with the Philippines to share intelligence, particularly around returning foreign fighters.
But he said Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte "has a very clear view about resolving these issues in the Philippines by the defence and security agencies by the Philippines".
The focus on terrorism coincided with a gunman who stormed and torched a Manila casino, killing 36 people, which has been claimed by Islamic State, but police say was a botched robbery.
US Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will arrive in Sydney on Monday for further security talks.
AAP