Australian Senator Robert Hill spearheaded a monitoring team that assessed the prevailing threat situation in Mindanao. The team would determine the kind of assistance and the level of approach to be undertaken to assist the Philippine government in addressing the terrorist problem.

Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan, Armed Forces Southern Command (Southcom) chief, briefed the Australian team in a closed-door meeting after the local media group was allowed a photo opportunity with the foreign guests. 

"The meeting was a regular command briefing with unit commanders from the different areas in the Southcom AOR (area of  responsibility) to include the visiting Australian team," Adan said.

He added that the foreign visitors representing the Australian government relayed the message to the military manifesting its intention to assist the Philippine government in fighting terrorism in the country, especially in Mindanao.

In a huddle with the local media, the Australian dignitary said the commitment on the type of anti-terror activities to be undertaken will be determined after an assessment and a monitoring report shall have been completed.    

However, it was not immediately learned on what the anti-terror package would be or the gadgets included in the grant.

Adan disclosed that a humanitarian mission highlights the undertakings drawn by the Australian team and the province of Sulu is among the priority areas where the activity shall be held.

"The humanitarian mission includes medical -dental outreach program and engineering work," Adan said adding the undertaking is dubbed "Bayanihan" as the term "Balikatan" refers to a military training. (Gertrude Sienes)