MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte Thursday ordered newly installed Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Leonardo Guerrero to oversee the destruction of firearms seized in Marawi, which was recently liberated from Islamic State-inspired terrorists. The destruction of the terrorists’ firearms was Duterte’s first instruction to Guerrero as the new chief of the 125,000 strong armed forces. Guerrero will only serve as military chief for less than two months since he will reach the mandatory age of 56 in December. Lorenzana said the President has the prerogative to extend the term of the military chief. “Maybe it will last until Dec. 31… It will depend on the situation on the ground and the recommendation of the armed forces and the police,” he said.

Source: Philippine Star October 26, 2017 14:15 UTC