Philippine President Declares Marawi Liberated from Militants
Translator
Editor
Kamis, 1 Januari 1970 07:00 WIB
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte wears a bulletproof vest and a helmet as he gives a pep talk to troops fighting the extremist Maute group in Marawi, Philippines August 24, 2017. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte fired a rifle toward Islamic State-linked militants during a visit Thursday to the battle zone in southern Marawi, after troops recaptured a main mosque where the gunmen had taken cover with their hostages in the three-month siege of the city, officials said. Presidential Palace/Handout via REUTERS
TEMPO.CO, Manila - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday declared Marawi City liberated from pro-Islamic State militants who have held the heart of the city for 148 days, media and a government minister said.
Duterte was visiting Marawi, a day after two leaders of the rebel alliance were killed.
Reporters from CNN Philippines and ABS-CBN said Duterte made the statement to soldiers in the city. Duterte’s remarks were also relayed in a text message to reporters by Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.