The government has reinforced its troops in Marawi with 800 soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion in a bid to clear the city from Maute militants.
The troops from the Capiz-based “Bantay Laya” battalion flew in from Iloilo after a send-off ceremony on Saturday morning.
The additional men were deployed after President Rodrigo Duterte rejected offers from Marawi’s religious and political leaders to negotiate with the Maute group and Abu Sayyaf terrorists.
The Inquirer said Duterte’s refusal stemmed from the death of government troops and civilians.
“If they go to the Maute to talk, talk about what? Surrender? Settlement? Just like that? I will not [negotiate]. How about my soldiers who have died? How about [the terrorists’] murderous rampage?” Inquirer quoted the President as saying.
However, the President will not deter plans of the religious and political leaders to negotiate with the terrorists.
The fighting between government forces and rebels have killed 327 people, including 242 terrorists, 59 soldiers, and 26 civilians, since Maute militants occupied Marawi on May 23.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Chief Edgard Arevalo said enemy resistance has weakened and areas seized by the enemy have also reduced as government forces continue its offensives in the war zone.
Photo credit: Edge Davao
