India has intensified its anti-terror and de-radicalisation cooperation with the Philippines, which is currently fighting a month long siege with Islamic State affiliated militants in the city of Marawi.
India provides financial support amounting Php 25 million pesos to the Philippines help rehabilitate the damage of the siege done by the ISIS affiliated terror groups in the town of Marawi, which is 800 km south of Manila, located in Mindanao.
Last Thursday, the help was extended after external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj spoke with the Philippines counterpart Alan Peter Cayetano over the phone.
The battle between Philippines forces and IS-affiliated groups has claimed the lives of at least 100 soldiers, 380 terrorists and dozens of civilians, according to reports quoting the local police chief. Hundreds are still held hostage by the terrorists while fighting the advancing government forces.
Aside from the Philippines, India is also expanding its counter-terror partnership with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
The fight in Marawi started on May 23 when the Philippines security forces prepare an offensive to capture the leader of Maute group Isnilon Hapilon.
