DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte visited Marawi City for the fourth time Monday afternoon, September 11.
This time, Duterte visited two major areas used to be heavily controlled by the terrorist for about 100 days; the Marawi Grand Mosque and the Mapandi Bridge.
The ongoing military fight against the Isis-inspired Maute group who tried to establish as Islamic State in Marawi, prompted Duterte to place the entire Mindanao island under martial law starting May 23.
The Grand Mosque was used as the temporary shelter of the Maute terrorist was retaken by the government forces a week ago.
Traces of war is depicted in the walls of the almost totally damaged sacred place for the Muslim residents in the area.
Duterte explained “I need to be here with the government forces to show to them I am with them, because I am the Commander-in-chief”.
The commander-in-chief thanked the soldiers for remaining loyal to the country and for protecting the Filipino people.
He personally handed groceries and watches to the soldiers.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs Arthur Tabaquero, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año, Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda and Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go joined the President.-Editha Z. Caduaya/Newsline.ph
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