Military says ‘end is near’ a week into Marawi clash
THE MILITARY on Monday said it now has “full control” over Marawi City, provincial capital of Lanao del Sur, amid clashes between state forces and the Islamic State (IS)-affiliated Maute terrorist group, which have dragged on for a full week.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte last week declared Martial Law in Mindanao — which makes up roughly one third of the country — amid deadly clashes in Marawi City involving jihadist militants reportedly attempting to establish a caliphate for the IS.
The Martial Law declaration in Mindanao will last for 60 days, according to Article VII, Section 18 of the Constitution, but Mr. Duterte said this will continue until security officials give assurance that the entire country is “safe.”
In a special press briefing on the situation in Mindanao, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brigadier- General Restituto F. Padilla, Jr. assured that while the military has no timeline in ending the armed conflict, they now have “complete control” over the city.
“So we hope to get clear results. We have complete control of the city... except for certain areas of the city where they (Maute) continue to hold,” Mr. Padilla said. “These are the subject of clearing operations that are continuously being conducted.”
The military spokesperson also belied reports that the Maute has seized half of Marawi City, adding that troops seek to end the crossfire “as soon as possible.”
“Our ground commanders have assured that the end is almost there,” Mr. Padilla said. — with a report from AFP