The offer of Australia to train the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is most welcome.

The fight against terrorism – to reiterate — is not only the concern of the Philippines, but it is a concern of many nations around the world. The Philippines has in many occasions expressed its willingness to receive assistance from foreign countries if they offer it.

Assistance, however, is limited to technical matters, training, and information gathering and sharing. It will not involve any boots on the ground in accordance to our law prohibiting the direct participation of foreign troops in combat operations.