Duterte may purge local execs over Maute attack in Marawi

SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan – President Duterte is planning to “purge” local government officials who did not cooperate with the national government in the battle against Maute terrorist group in Marawi City.

The President issued the warning after admitting government troops were caught off guard by the vast tunnel network used by the terrorists to elude authorities in the war-torn city.

Duterte, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of a new military housing project in San Miguel, Bulacan, said the tunnels were similar to those used by the Viet Congress soldiers during combat operations.

“’Yan lang ang sisi ko diyan sa mga officials sa – the local government. I think I have to purge them. Nobody told us ‘yung mga tunnels diyan sa – parang Viet Cong [I blame the officials in the local government. I think I have to purge them. Nobody told us about the tunnels there, they’re like the ones used by the Viet Cong],” the President.

He said government troops were having difficulty running after the rebels who used the tunnels as hiding spots.

“So takbo-takbo sila, mahirapan tayo, plus the hostages [They are running and we’re having a hard time plus the [presence of] hostages],” he said.

Duterte said he has refused to authorize the bombing of mosques used by the rebels as safe havens to avoid any backlash on Filipinos especially those in the Middle East.