SYDNEY, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Australia is reportedly sending troops to the Philippines to help government forces fighting Islamist insurgents and terrorists.
The dispatch of troops for a joint exercise would come under a landmark defense agreement between Australia and the Philippines. That accord, a Status of Forces Agreement, is awaiting approval by the Philippine Senate.
"They (the Australians) want to come here and participate in the monitoring of the ceasefire" with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Philippine Maj. Gen. Nehemias Panjarito told a reporter for the newspaper visiting the southern Philippines.
The separatist MILF and the Philippine government are holding peace talks and observing a truce, but renegade factions - some cooperating with al-Qaida-linked groups -- continue to battle government forces in the Mindanao area.
The report said Gen. Panarito, commander of the 6th Army Division, was slated to meet with Australian officials to discuss details of enhanced military cooperation.
Australia previously promised to give about 30 river patrol boats to the Philippines to help in searching for MILF renegades and terrorists.
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