Duterte not aware of US support vs. Maute in Marawi

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - President Rodrigo Duterte said on Sunday he was not aware the US government was providing assistance to government troops in its battle against terrorist groups in Marawi City.

Duterte also said he "never approached America" for help. "I am not aware of that until they arrived," Duterte told a media briefing when asked about US support to fight the pro-Islamic State militants in Marawi City.

US forces were providing the Philippines with technical assistance, but they had no "boots on the ground," the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Saturday.

Echoing this statement, Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement on Sunday that "standing protocols" under the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board under the PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 "does not involve any boots on the ground nor is there any direct participation in combat operations, a matter prohibited by law."

"The fight against terrorism, however, is not only the concern of the Philippines or the United States but it is a concern of many nations around the world. The Philippines is open to assistance from other countries if they offer it," Abella said. — Reuters