President Duterte, ready to lift military rule in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines —  President Rodrigo Duterte visited Marawi City for the fifth time on Thursday.

He talked to the soldiers battling the terrorists and assured them of  the government’s full support.

In line with this, the chief executive also said he will immediately lift martial law in Mindanao when the crisis and clearing operations end in Marawi City.

“Yes, when it’s safe. The catchword is when it is “safe” here in Mindanao, there is no (inaudible) spillage of men. As long as it remains manageable and the police can take care of it,” said the President.

He will also order immediate start of rehabilitation efforts once it is safe to enter the battle zone.

President Duterte also said there will be no celebration whatsoever after the total liberation of Marawi.

“After this, you just go out of Marawi silently. We will have no celebration. We will not show our fellow Maranaos because we are not glad. We don’t want to kill and we don’t want to hurt them,” he said.

It was on May 23, 2017, when President Duterte placed the entire Mindanao region under martial law following the siege of Marawi City by the Maute-ISIS terrorist group.