PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is counting on the Filipinos’ resilience in surviving the tough times ahead. “We are at a time when our resolve is being tested by many trials and difficulties. However, I remain hopeful that our resilience will enable us to overcome and rise above these challenges as one nation,” the President said in his New Year’s statement released on Sunday. President Duterte declared Marawi City liberated from terrorists last October 17, a day after Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon, considered the top terrorist leaders, were killed by government forces. Despite the apparent victory, the President still asked Congress for one more year of martial law in Mindanao, which was readily approved.

Source: Manila Times December 31, 2017 06:56 UTC