The worsening peace and order along the sea border of the Philippines will top the agenda when President Rodrigo Duterte meets Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in Malaysia next week.
Duterte said the attacks perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf have paralyzed trade and commerce in the area and has embarrassed him because the militants are based in the southern Philippine island of Jolo. He added that his talks will cover border control, border crossing, and possible joint military and police operations.
Duterte also said he discussed possible security strategies with Indonesian President Joko Widodo during a recent visit to Indonesia. The Philippine military said it has killed 70 Abu Sayyaf militants and captured 32 others since July upon orders of Duterte.
