The Ulama League of the Philippines on Thursday called on President Rodrigo Duterte to stop bombings in Marawi City and find other ways to purge the remaining terrorists there. The Commission on Human Rights had earlier appealed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to halt the air strikes to avoid civilian casualties. The military said it respects the appeal of the ulamas but that it will continue with its air strikes. Jo-ann Petinglay, WestMinCom spokeswoman, said command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. noted the importance of air strikes. The Ulama council also committed its assistance for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi City, suggesting that the council be tapped to monitor the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the city.

Source: Manila Times August 17, 2017 17:03 UTC