Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Indeed, the mobile training teams are one aspect of Australia's assistance that we have developed in close consultation with the Philippines government. As well, last week Australia and the Philippines conducted a very successful urban rehabilitation seminar, very pertinent to what has happened in Marawi, indeed. The seminar shared lessons on postconflict rehabilitation and restoration, exchanged experiences about past operations and discussed civil-military interaction.

Our Navy is also undertaking a range of cooperative activities to help build capacity in the Philippines in securing its maritime borders and to challenge terrorists in their use of interisland vessels. Two Australian patrol boats are currently undertaking joint patrols with the Philippines to strengthen maritime security. Personnel from the RAN and the Australian Customs service have just concluded Exercise Lumbas, a biennial maritime training activity with the Philippine Navy, which for the first time this year included participation from the Philippine Coast Guard. This is a threat not just to the Philippines but to the entire region.