Palace lauds military's control of bridge in Marawi

MALACAÑANG said Sunday the military's control of the Masiu Bridge is a "significant development" in the government's goal of ending the rebellion in Marawi City. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, in a statement, said that the Masiu Bridge is the bridge said to be closest to Lake Lanao and is a possible escape route of the remaining terrorist rebels still holed up in the main battle area. "Government troops are now in the final push and despite the enemy’s continued resistance, our recent successes would hopefully lead to the eventual liberation of the entire city and pave the way back to normalcy," he said. The Armed Forces of the Philippines reclaimed Masiu Bridge or the Raya Madaya Bridge late this week from the Islamic State-inspired terrorists. President Rodrigo Duterte has said that he might lift martial law in Mindanao after the Marawi crisis is over. He declared martial law on May 23 shortly after the militants attacked Marawi. The rebellion in the city has left over 800 people dead, mostly suspected terrorists.