By Patricia Lourdes Viray
MANILA, Philippines — After five weeks of fighting against local terror groups, the Armed Forces of the Philippines expressed confidence that offensive operations will be over soon and victory will be at hand.
Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, spokesman for Task Force Marawi, said that the government forces are focused and will accomplish their mission to retake Marawi City.
"Troop morale remains very high and we appeal to everyone to continue to support and pray for our troops. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is winning and that victory is irreversible," Herrera said in a televised press conference.
Militant-held areas are continuing to grow smaller as government security forces advance into the city, according to Herrera.
"Troops continue to get deeper into once enemy-held positions as evidenced by the recovery of cadavers of terrorists and their firearms, computers and peripherals as well as communication equipment and accessories," Herrera said.
Herrera, however, admitted that government forces are still facing challenges in their clearing operations against the Maute group.
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