Duterte visits war-torn Marawi for 3rd time

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 by the President's gesture third visit was unannounced, to see them personally similar to and boost his previous trips to their morale. the besieged city. A source from Palace

The photos released said Duterte arrived by Duterte's in Marawi City special assistant, around 4 p.m. and Christopher Go, stayed there for an showed the President hour, taking time to wearing a military inspect the battle uniform and holding gr ound. a rifle. Duterte also reportedly

One of the photos provided financial also showed that the aid, food troops were grateful 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 l ead er Isnilon Hapilon, who is believed to be the emir of IS in Southeast Asi a.

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)