Duterte to ask Abe’s help in rebuilding Marawi City

PRESIDENT Duterte last Sunday night said he will discuss with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe where Tokyo can assist Manila in the rebuilding of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur.

Marawi was devastated during the five months of fighting between government troops and Islamist extremists.

With the recent liberation of Marawi City, the President said it is time for the country to rehabilitate the Islamic town with the help of partner nations, most especially Japan. He added Japan remains to be the “most understanding” in assisting the Philippines resolve the peace-and-order situation in Mindanao.

“Certainly, Japan has always been with us in pursuing genuine peace in Mindanao and in the development of the entire nation. I, therefore, look forward to meeting once again Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who I consider to be a true friend of the Philippines,” Duterte said.

“I will discuss with him ways to significantly advance our already strong and strategic bilateral partnership, especially on matters involving socioeconomic development, peace and progress in Mindanao, and the buildup of modern infrastructures in our country,” the President added.

Duterte is hoping he can get Tokyo’s backing in the rehabilitation of Marawi City, given the long history of Japan’s aiding the Philippines in times of crisis.

“I think the damage alone and the dimension of the destruction, we would tell Japan we need their very best assistance. I do not doubt Japan can graciously give us the help we [need, although] we do not expect Japan would solve all the problems for us,” the President said.

“I would see significant assistance, considering the dimension of the destruction. I am hoping we can improve on these things periodically because we need to rehabilitate Marawi,” Duterte added.

Duterte headed to Japan last Sunday night for a three-day official visit, where he is scheduled to meet with Abe and Emperor Akihito.

Aside from the prospect of peace in Mindanao, the President said he will also bring up with Abe the security situation in the Korean Peninsula due to the growing tension between North Korea and the United States.

“One [of the key issues I will discuss with Abe] is security of the regional threat and of the entire world. We had been in discussion, together with the rest of peace-loving neighbors, and even I had the chance to talk to [US Defense] Secretary [James N.] Mattis,” Duterte said.

This is the President’s second trip to Japan, following his visit in October 2016. Abe is known for his close relations with Duterte, evident by his personal visit to the President in Davao City in January.

Joining Duterte in his official visit to Japan are some of his Cabinet officials, including Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade and Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi.