Australia to further support Philippine fight against IS.

The Australian Special Forces may go one step further in aiding the Philippines in its fight against Islamic State (IS), as the two sides prepare to discuss training of troops, advising and other assistance, it was reported on Sept. 1.

Australian Army soldiers Corporal James Cunningham (left) from 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and Corporal Karl Fabreschi from 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, conduct rehearsals during the combat shooting skills training activity at Majura training area outside Canberra on 30 November 2016.
(Credit: Commonwealth of Australia)

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull confirmed Friday that Defense Minister Marise Payne will be visiting Manila "shortly" to continue discussions on how the Australian troops would be best utilized, after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte formally accepted Australia's offer of assistance to train and advise local troops earlier on the day.

The Filipino army has been engaged in a battle with the extremist terrorist group since May when IS-linked group launched an assault on the southeastern city of Marawi in an attempt to establish its Southeast Asian headquarters.

Australia has been offering support in the form of spy planes and intelligence, but no Australian troops have yet set foot in the Philippines.

"Now, we are working closely with the Philippines Government. We are providing, as you know, support in intelligence, in the operation of our P3 Orion aircraft there and we're open to offering further assistance in capacity-building, training and so forth," Turnbull said when answering questions from local journalists accompanying him to Western Australia.

"We do not want IS establishing a stronghold in Southeast Asia. That is vitally in our interests to see that insurgency defeated," he said.

General Restituto Padilla of the Filipino army has said that Australia's help in the drawn-out battle was greatly appreciated.

Talking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the general said that Australian troops would not be able to fight in the battle due to the Filipino Constitution preventing foreign troops from engaging in active combat within the country and would instead serve in training and intelligence roles.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop offered Duterte Australian assistance during a visit to Manila in August.

"Obviously we would be ready to support the Philippines in the same way we are supporting Iraq in advising, assisting and training," Bishop said.