MANILA, Philippines (Reuters) — President Rodrigo Duterte vowed his determination in fighting against armed forces like the alleged Islamic State (IS)-linked “Maute Group” on Wednesday, after he cut short his official visit to Russia.
Duterte declared martial law for 60 days on Tuesday on the island of Mindanao and nearby island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi after clashes between the army and militants with alleged links to IS in Marawi, the provincial city of Lanao del Sur on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines.
“I have always said do not force my hand into it because if I start to declare martial law, I will solve all the problems of Mindanao connected with law and order. As President, if I cannot confront them, I will resign. If I am incompetent and incapable of keeping order in this country, let me step down and give the job to somebody else. But I will deal with the problem as it is,” said Duterte.
After the clash broke out in Marawi, Duterte held an emergency meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday night, and then terminated his visit and returned to Manila.
Putin also showed his support for Duterte’s decision during their meeting.
In addition, Duterte noted at the airport that he is considering expanding the scope of martial rule to nearby Visayas region and even the entire country, including the main Luzon island, in order to prevent the armed force from fleeing to other nearby islands and holding some other “terroristic activity.”
“I may decide to expand the area to include the Visayas because it is just a walking distance actually. And because of the many islands, they can always escape there and begin another terroristic activity. I have ordered the military, especially the Navy to embargo the islands, especially the sea that separates Mindanao from the Visayas,” said Duterte.
Duterte added that the 60-day martial law could be prolonged until the Philippines regained a secure environment.
Furthermore, Durterte said that he will hold a cabinet meeting to discuss further steps to handle the situation in Marawi and how to ensure people’s safety.
He also addressed a tighter control on private guns and suggested that people carry their ID cards when going outside in case of some necessary checks.
The Philippine military said that five army soldiers and two police officers have so far been killed and 31 soldiers were wounded in the ongoing sporadic fighting.
Thirteen Maute members have also been killed.
In the meantime, the government said thousands of Marawi residents have fled to avoid the conflict.
The Philippine military estimated that the terrorists would be probably eliminated in the next two or three days.
