Duterte threatens to purge local governments in Marawi
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a visit aboard the Royal Australian Navy HMAS Adelaide, an amphibious assault ship and landing helicopter dock, in the South Harbor in Manila, Philippines on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. The HMAS Adelaide, along with another Australian Navy guided missile frigate, the HMAS Darwin, is on a five-day port call aimed at strengthening relations between the two navies as well as maritime security and stability in the region. AP Photo/Aaron Favila
SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan — President Rodrigo Duterte Wednesday vowed to purge local governments in Marawi City as he criticized them for not informing him about the tunnels used as shelters by the Maute terrorists.
Duterte said the military is having a hard time in Marawi because the terrorists are familiar with the terrain.
“They have positions and yet we are not aware of it. I am blaming officials of the local government for that. I think I have to purge them. Nobody told us about the tunnels that similar to (those created by the) Viet Cong,” the president said during the unveiling of a military housing project here.
“They keep on running and we are having a hard time. Plus there are hostages,” he added.
READ: As Marawi siege continues, Duterte tells troops: Study how Mosul was freed from ISIS
A total of 777 terrorists, 47 civilians and 159 soldiers and policemen have died since the ISIS-inspired Maute terrorists laid siege to Marawi last May 23.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Marawi crisis, which has displaced thousands of residents, would be over “within a few days.”
Duterte said the military would continue to prioritize the safety of civilians held hostage by the terrorists.
“I am very sad that we have lost a lot of men in Marawi and I said there will be no letup until the last terrorist is taken out,” the president said.
Duterte said he has also ordered security forces to spare mosques to avoid harming captives and to avoid negative sentiments from predominantly Muslim countries.
“The higher interest is really there are a lot of Filipinos working in the Middle East, close to two million. I do not want to have a backlash,” the Philippine leader said.
READ: Duterte contradicts earlier statement to bomb Marawi mosque
Duterte said there would be no celebrations once the crisis in Marawi is over.
“After this, we go quietly. We do not want to show any kind of celebration or happiness, because after all, they’re all Filipinos,” he said.
“And we try always to forge unity. But we will have our own thanksgiving to honor the fallen soldiers and policemen. And I will see to it that they will be rewarded appropriately.”
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