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Stay loyal to the Constitution while enforcing martial law, Duterte urges troops

October 24, 2017 | 12:34pm

Stay loyal to the Constitution while enforcing martial law, Duterte urges troops

President Rodrigo Duterte arrives at "Ground Zero" in Marawi city to declare the liberation of Marawi city in southern Philippines after almost five months of the siege by pro-Islamic State group militants Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017. Gunfire rang out sporadically and explosions thudded as Philippine soldiers fought Tuesday to gain control of the last pocket of Marawi controlled by Islamic militants as President Duterte declared the southern city liberated from "terrorist influence." AP Photo/Bullit Marquez

MANILA, Philippines — Security threats persist despite the end of the Marawi siege, President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday, as he called on security forces to remain loyal to the Constitution while enforcing martial law in Mindanao.

Duterte said soldiers who fought with the jihadists in Marawi have made the country safer but warned that terrorism and insurgency continue to pose threats to public safety.

“We have made significant headway in ridding the country of the scourges of criminality, insurgency, terrorism and corruption because of your invaluable contributions and there could never be a task more ennobling than that,” the president said during the Air Force change of command ceremony in Clark, Pampanga.

“I enjoin our troops to continue performing their duties well, especially as martial law remains in effect in Mindanao, and there are persisting threats of terrorism and insurgency,” he added.

READ: Marawi retaken but global threat of ISIS remains, Palace says

Islamic State-linked terrorists from the Maute group occupied Marawi last May 23, prompting Duterte to impose martial law in Mindanao.

More than 800 militants, 160 government troopers and 40 civilians died during the five-month siege, the longest conflict in the Philippines since World War II.

Last week, terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute were killed in an early morning clash, prompting Duterte to declare Marawi as liberated from terrorist influence.

Security forces ended their offensives this week and has started to pull out their troops from the main battle area.

READ: Andanar says there may be need to bulldoze entire Marawi ground zero

Duterte heaped praised on the soldiers who died in Marawi and vowed to take care of the families.

“We recognize the valor and the sacrifices of the PAF (Philippine Air Force) personnel who were killed and wounded in action, particularly the casualties caused by the conflict in Marawi City. Rest assured that the Philippines is committed to promote the welfare of all PAF personnel and their loved ones,” the president said.

“That you have left your families and the comfort of your homes to serve the country is truly praiseworthy. Indeed, the Philippines and our people are indebted to you because of the sacrifices you have made every single day,” he added.

“Truly, you have made our country safer and more secure.”

READ: Año: ISIS sent at least $1.5 million to fund Marawi siege

Duterte lauds retired Air Force chief

The president also commended former Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, who bowed out of the service Tuesday. Fallorina was replaced by Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr., former chief of the Palawan-based Western Command and a graduate of Philippine Military Academy class of 1985.

“I am confident that the PAF is in good order, with the several improvements initiated by Lt. Gen. Fallorina and the upgrades made under his administration,” Duterte said.

“The PAF has made remarkable organizational improvements under his leadership,” he added.

Duterte said Fallorina supported internal security operations and provided air assets during offensives against terrorists.

However, not all air raids under Fallorina’s watch were successful. A total of 12 soldiers were killed and 18 others were injured in two bungled air strikes in Marawi City.

READ: Despite 'friendly fire' deaths, military to continue using airstrikes

The Air Force deployed more than 400 personnel to support the ground troops during the siege.

“I assure you that the PAF has the government’s full support as you perform your mandate as an organization. In fact, two C130s and 12 FA-50 aircraft have been added to the PAF since July of last year,” Duterte said.