Aussie general urges ASEAN unity vs terror

A visiting Australian military official urged Southeast Asian countries yesterday to join forces in fighting terrorism.

Maj. Gen. Duncan Lewis, Australian Special Operations Command chief, said the armed forces of ASEAN states need to forge a stronger alliance to counter the activities of terrorist groups like the Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).

Lewis met outgoing Army commander Lt. Gen. Gregorio Camiling last Tuesday as part of his four-day visit.

Lt. Col. Joselito Kakilala, Army spokesman, said Lewis stressed during his visit to Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Makati the need for joint military exercises among the armed forces of ASEAN countries.

ASEAN must also come up with an effective counter-terrorism program, Kakilala quoted Lewis as saying.

Lewis invited Camiling to send a representative to a seminar on counter-terrorism in Australia next year.

Kakilala said the seminar to be conducted by the Australian Special Operations Command is designed for the special forces of various ASEAN armies.

Participants will be required to present their approaches, mechanics and strategies in fighting terrorism, he added.

Camiling stressed the importance of information-sharing among the various ASEAN armies to avert terrorist in the region.

Australia has been at the forefront of counter-terrorism following the JI bombing in Bali, Indonesia October last year, which killed many Australians. — Mike Frialde