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June 11th, 2017 
Awake Goy 
nsnbc : Ernie Abella, spokesperson for Philippine’ President Rodrigo Duterte, clarified that assistance provided by the United States in ongoing operations of the Philippines’ armed forces in Marawi, is limited to technical assistance only.
(archives)
Abella mede the clarifying statement on Sunday, after sensationalized reports in certain Middle Eastern and Russian media had misrepresented the role of the United States in sensationalized or outright false reports. Addressing reporters, Abella said
“We have standing protocols which are already in place under the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board with the US under the purview of the PHL-US Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951. It does not involve any boots on the ground nor is there any direct participation in combat operations, a matter prohibited by law”.
Abella added that the fight against terrorism 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,” he added. Still on Marawi, Abella said the Palace was deeply saddened by the news on the 13 Marines killed in action during a firefight in Marawi City.
“This incident, albeit unfortunate, gives us greater impetus to clear Marawi of lawless elements, save the trapped civilians, and restore order, security and normalcy to the city and its residents,” he stressed. He went on to enjoin every one to continue showing strong support to our “courageous and heroic men and women in uniform fighting for Marawi and defending the Republic”.
nsnbc editor-in-chief Christof Lehmann, in a phone call on Sunday, commented on Abella’s statement saying that Abella and the presidency are right when they state that fighting terrorism – like the Islamic State franchise in the Philippines – is an international matter.
Lehmann added that it is therefore the more appalling to see inaccurate or outright fraudulent reports and propaganda in certain media, apparently aimed at denouncing the U.S. role as anti-Muslim or imperialist, while “glorifying” the role of Russia, China and certain Middle Eastern countries in the region. Such propaganda creates terrorism instead of contributing to countering it with solid information and ethical journalism, he said.
Lehmann added that another dimension that is rarely being discussed, is that the certain countries like the USA and Norway, have a military presence in Syria without a mandate from the Syrian government, the UN Security Council or another valid legal justification. He noted that one might want to keep this in mind while one observes developments in the Philippines.
F/AK – nsnbc 11.06.2017
Source Article from https://nsnbc.me/2017/06/11/philippines-u-s-help-in-marawi-limited-to-technical-assistance/
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