MANILA, Philippines — The government underestimated the capabilities of Islamist militants who have been engaged in a protracted battle with security forces in Marawi City, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana admitted on Thursday. Security officials originally aimed to finish their operations in Marawi City by June 2. However, this was not met as government troops continued to experience heavy resistance from Maute rebels entrenched in the town. We did not know then at the start na gumawa kami ng estimate kung kailan ito matatapos,” the defense secretary recounted. The death toll from clashes between government troops and local terrorist groups in Marawi City has risen to 422 a week ago.

Source: Philippine Star July 06, 2017 09:01 UTC