Philippines: President Duterte declares Marawi freed from Maute and Abu Sayyaf terrorists
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday declared the liberation of the southern city of Marawi from Daesh-linked Maute terrorists after nearly five months of fighting that has left more than 1,000 people dead.
Duterte’s announcement came a day after the deaths of Abu Sayyaf head Isnilon Hapilon, the “emir” of Daesh for Southeast Asia, and Omarkhayam Maute, one of the Maute group’s key leaders, in a military assault in the main battle area.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby declare Marawi City liberated from the terrorist influence. That marks the beginning of rehabilitation,” the President said in an address to the troops, aired over PTV, a state-run television station.