‘Mosques in Marawi were not bombed to protect OFWs’

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte had in mind the welfare of about 2.5 million Filipinos working in the Middle East when he ordered the military to avoid destroying mosques during the battle against the Maute group in Marawi City.

Duterte said he is planning to go back to Marawi even amidst security concerns.

Apart from the safety of the hostages, Duterte said he does not want to show disrespect to Islam.

As president, Duterte said he needed to weigh the issues concerning religion and the road to peace and development as well as the welfare of Filipino workers abroad.

“Every time I sit down to decide before I sleep, whether to just allow the bombing of the mosques to end the fighting,” he said he had to listen to his military advisers.

“And I could very well understand the frustration of the military and the police. I know that. But as a leader, I have to think a thousand times before I decide on a very precipitate action,” he said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, for his part, warned the remaining Maute terrorists they will all die if they do not surrender.

He said fighting the government forces would be a hopeless case for terrorists.

“We accept them if they will surrender. We will not kill them,” Lorenzana said.

Troops, using a bullhorn, are calling on the terrorists to come out and surrender.

Lorenzana said two weeks ago at least three terrorists came out and surrendered.

However, those who remained inside the battle area continued to fight, leaving a junior Army officer killed and 11 soldiers wounded two days ago, Lorenzana said.

“My message to them, your case is already hopeless, you will all die there if you will not surrender. Believe me, the soldiers will not let you live if you keep fighting. It will be good for you to surrender and have the chance to face the music and be rehabilitated into the society,” Lorenzana said. –  With Roel Pareño