JAKARTA, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia said on Wednesday that it would intensify coordination with the Philippines over possible return of militants taking part in the siege of Marawi following liberation of the southern Philippines city from terrorists' control.
Lauding the defeat of terrorists in Marawi, spokesman of the Foreign Affairs Ministry Arrmanatha Nasir said Indonesia would continue monitoring the situation, particularly the anticipating wave of Indonesian militants' return to the country.
"Indonesia positively welcome the latest results (defeat of terrorists) in Marawi. This is what Indonesia and the Philippines have been attempting for. It is resulted from the trilateral cooperation between Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia," Nasir said.
The three Southeast Asian nations have conducted joint patrol to address security threat in southern Philippines waters, mostly from piracy of Philippine terrorist groups.
Nasir confirmed death of Indonesian militants during the battle in Marawi that erupted since May, saying that it had also been verified by the Philippines authorities.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced liberation of Marawi from terrorists earlier this week after the military killed terrorist groups' leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omarkhayam Maute.
The five-month siege over Marawi has claimed 1,000 lives and displaced 400,000 others, reports said.
