In a statement, Palace spokesman Ernesto Abella said the entire nation joins Muslim Filipinos in observing Ramadan. “Together, we pray for an end to terrorism that falsely claims to advance Islam and seeks to subjugate our land to the brutal IS (Islamic State),” he added. He said the terror groups aimed to establish an Islamic province in Mindanao, with Marawi as headquarters. Abella said Duterte’s offer to the terrorists was to pave way for the observance of Ramadan. “With all faiths, we pray that God restore and preserve peace in Mindanao,” the Palace official added.

Source: Manila Times May 27, 2017 16:07 UTC