Japan is giving the Philippines equipment and further assistance in the ongoing efforts of Philippine authorities to contain extremist elements in Mindanao, particularly in Marawi City, a Japanese official said Tuesday.
"In this bilateral front, Mr. Kono stated that he liked to proceed to a provision of high-speed vessels and security related equipment, which was already agreed, to support the efforts of the Philippines to address the issue in Mindanao," Japan Deputy Press Secretary Toshihide Ando told reporters in a press conference in Pasay City.
Taro Kono is Japan's foreign minister appointed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last Thursday.
The Japanese top diplomat conveyed the offer during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Sunday.
"He (Kono) also said that he liked to consider further assistance in this regard," said Ando.
"Mr. Kono expressed support in the fight against terrorism in Mindanao by the Philippine government," Ando said.
The latest offer is on top of an earlier grant aid of $2 million for the people displaced by the battle between government troops and the Maute group.
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