PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has lauded government forces fighting Islamic State (IS)-linked terrorists in conflict-torn Marawi City, saying he would not abandon them. Duterte urged government troops to intensify offensives against the terrorists who were supposedly planning to establish an IS province or wilayat in Mindanao. The Defense chief estimated that the armed conflict in Marawi City could end within a week, noting that areas held by the Maute were getting smaller. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also disclosed on Tuesday that the Maute group had forced hostages to loot half a billion worth of cash and jewelry in Marawi City. A few days later, a lone hostage was able to flee from the terrorist group.

Source: Manila Times July 04, 2017 15:56 UTC