BWD eyes additional water source for city

THE BAGUIO Water District assured within the next five years, gaps for the demand and supply of potable water will be filled.

This was bared by BWD general manager Salvador Royeca said the water utility has embarked on three major projects in the city in a bid to improve services.

Royeca said BWD has awarded a mini bulk water supply project to Badiwan Springs Corporation to supply the city with 2000 cubic meters starting 2019 and will eventually increase to 5,000 cubic meters.

In addition, BWD is also undertaking a rehabilitation of the Sto.

FOR THE third time, President Rodrigo Duterte visited Thursday strife-torn Marawi City as the armed conflict between the security forces and Islamic State-inspired Maute group enters its third month.

The President's third visit was unannounced, similar to his previous trips to the besieged city.

The photos released by Duterte's special assistant, Christopher Go, showed the President wearing a military uniform and holding a rifle.

One of the photos also showed that the troops were grateful by the President's gesture to see them personally and boost their morale.

A source from Palace said Duterte arrived in Marawi City around 4 p.m. and stayed there for an hour, taking time to inspect the battle ground.

Duterte also reportedly provided financial aid, food packs and wrist watches to the government troops, whose task is to liberate Marawi City from Islamist extremists.

Duterte's previous visits to Marawi City were on July 20 and August 4.

The armed struggle in Marawi City emerged after Maute terrorists attacked the military on May 23, who were conducting a man-hunt operation against Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, who is believed to be the emir of IS in Southeast Asia.

The Chief Executive has placed the entire Mindanao under martial law, which is effective until the end of December 2017, to end the insurgency in Marawi City.

The three-month long crisis in Marawi City has resulted in the deaths of 769 people, as of August 23. Casualties include 595 Jihadist fighters, 129 security personnel, and 45 civilians. (Ruth Abbey Gita/SunStar Philippines)