Australia Gives Support To The Communities Affected By Marawi Conflict

On August 7, the President welcomed Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in Malacanang where the AU PM said in a statement that Australia vows to provide $20 million for the affected communities in the Marawi conflict.

“The Australian Government is providing $20 million over four years to support recovery and long term peace and stability in the southern Philippines. This is in addition to the emergency food and other supplies valued at $920,000 that I announced on 20 June 2017,”

According to FM Bishop, she met the president on Monday, August 7, 2017 in Manila where they both discussed the conflict that is happening in Marawi and the impact that it is having to the communities around it.

“The siege has brought enormous distress to the population of Marawi with around 360,000 people forced to flee their homes. Australia’s support will help meet the urgent needs of these displaced people including through child protection and counselling services,”

Part of the $20 million that will be provided will be used to build small-scale infrastructure projects for the communities around Marawi which will provide clean drinking water for the people as well as the repair of the roads there.

The Australian foreign minister also said that their government will assist community peace building efforts and strengthen local capacity to resist and counter extremism.

“Australia remains committed to supporting the peace process and development in Muslim Mindanao, which are critical for a strong, stable Philippines, and our assistance will complement the existing programs and priorities of the Philippine Government,”

Lastly, she finished her statement with a line that ensures us that we will always have their support.

“The Australian Government continues to work with the Philippine Government to combat terrorism in the region,”