MALACAÑANG CONFIRMED yesterday, Jan. 22, that the Philippines has asked the United States for help for counterterrorism measures. The spokesman’s pronouncement came after the Wall Street Journal reported over the weekend that the US has launched its “Operation Pacific Eagle” in response to the request of the Philippine government for further help in countering Islamic State-inspired groups in the country. “We asked help from anyone, from all countries of the world because the threat of terrorism is not just in the Philippines, it’s a worldwide concern. So if countries want to give whatever assistance they could and they want to, it’s welcome,” Mr. Roque said. Asked whether the government’s move does not run counter to the President’s independent foreign policy, Mr. Roque said: “Well… an independent foreign policy recognizes that there are threats which are common to the entire humanity, and the threat of global terrorism is one of them.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

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