Politics
14:58, 16-Jul-2017
Philippine military official: Marawi siege to go beyond martial law period
[]
Share
Copied
The ongoing fighting in Marawi City in the southern Philippines between state security forces and ISIL-affiliated militants is now nearing two months. The military now says President Rodrigo Duterte may have to deliver his State of the Nation Address later this month with the battle still ongoing.
Martial law is due to come to an end on July 22, ahead of Duterte's State of the Nation Address on July 24. However, it now looks likely that the current martial law period will be further extended. According to local media, some lawmakers have even proposed extending martial law for five more years.
In Marawi’s downtown area, where much of the battles are being fought now, government troops have surrounded ISIL militants, but every move carries the risk of getting fired at by enemy snipers. The Philippine government troops have to move house to house to clear the city of terrorists.
Christopher Tampus, Lieutenant Colonel of the Philippine army, said lots of soldiers have lost their lives in the move to retake and push out the Maute terrorist group.