Duterte visits Marawi City some 2 months into siege

By Jil Danielle M. Caro

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte finally visited Marawi City on Thursday afternoon, July 20, about two months into the siege of the provincial capital of Lanao del Sur by Maute terrorists.

Mr. Duterte’s long-planned trip to the strife-torn city was unannounced and Malacañang only sent an advisory after he left.

“We will really see here the support from our President. He really showed his bravery. He really showed his strong support for the troops fighting in Marawi City,” Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, spokesperson of Joint Task Force Marawi, said in an interview with reporters.

“Now we are thankful that the weather was very cooperative. The President had finally visited. We are glad,” he added.

“The soldiers and the policemen are very happy from his visit because this only proves that the President is very firm, very dedicated in supporting [the troops] especially in the operation here in Marawi City,” Mr. Herrera also said.

According to him, Mr. Duterte “thanked [the troops] for their heroism and sacrifices despite the challenges they face.”

“We all know that the President is very close to the soldiers and that this boosted the fighting spirit of our troops and he is very supportive to us,” Mr. Herrera said, adding:

“In 58 days of fighting, he had finally visited here to express gratitude, [and] to inspire our soldiers in their plight against terrorism.”

Mr. Herrera said the President arrived in Camp Ranao in Marawi City at about 1 p.m. and left before 5 p.m.