Discussions are “pretty advanced” and would see the US provide increased surveillance drone capabilities and training for local forces, the official told AFP on condition on anonymity.
“Those (drones) are there for ISR and support,” the official said, using an abbreviation for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has asked lawmakers to approve the recruiting of 20,000 more soldiers to tackle security threats following the urban siege in the south.
Almost 700 people have been killed, according to the official count, in over two months of fighting in the southern city of Marawi against Islamist militants.
The militants have occupied parts of the city since May 23, prompting Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Monday called the crisis in Marawi a “tragic situation” and said US forces were providing surveillance aircraft and important advice for the Philippines’ forces in the battle there.
The US has for years provided intel to the Philippines and has between 300 and 500 special operations and regular forces stationed in the country.
