(Eagle News) — Authorities on Wednesday called for a united stand against terrorism, amid calls from an international terrorist group to step up attacks in countries all over the world, including the Philippines.
“Kaya kami nakikiusap sa buong Pilipinas na magkaisa tayo. Huwag nating payagan na ito ay mangyari sa atin. Kita niyo ang karahasan sa Marawi,” Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said at the Mindanao Hour briefing.
“We must all work together, issue a public condemnation.., and resist the entry of this evil force. It’s already a fight between good and evil,” he added.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella agreed, saying the Philippines must “make a united stand.”
He added that it was time to “set aside things that separate us,” including politics.
“We need to be united against a common enemy. Our sovereignty is being confronted…It’s high time we do that,” he said.
Government troops have been fighting local terrorists in Marawi for 23 days.
The local terrorists have pledged allegiance to the international terrorist group Islamic State, which has called on its members and affiliates to step up attacks in countries all over the world.