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| Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) |
By Patricia Lourdes Viray
MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday assured the public that they will not allow ISIS terrorists to establish Mindanao as a "jihad" destination.
"The Armed Forces will not allow the ISIS to establish their Islamic caliphate here in Mindanao," Joint Task Force Marawi spokesperson Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera said in a press conference.
Herrera stressed that the military is committed to providing safety for every Filipino in the region.
"We intend to finish the fight as soon as possible. Our tactical commanders are doing their best to attain their military objectives," Herrera said.
On May 23, President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao following an armed confrontation between government forces and the Maute local terror group in Marawi City.
The AFP earlier said that only four barangays in Marawi City are being controlled by the ISIS-inspired group.
Read the full story at PhilStar