(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed children evacuees from Marawi City, advising the young Maranaos to steer clear of extremism and terrorism, and to help promote peace in Mindanao.
The children were participants of the “Tabak Educational Tour: Peaceful Environment in the Outside World” in Malacañang Palace.
Duterte asked the Maranao children to help him restore what was lost in the war-torn Islamic City.
The President also described to the young Maranaos the current situation in Mindanao, particularly on how the Maute terrorist group wreaked havoc in their homeland, and how the government troops were sent to Marawi City to restore peace and order.
President Duterte then expressed his grief over the destruction caused by the ongoing rebellion, as he vowed to rehabilitate Marawi City and to rebuild the children’s homes.
A Palace release said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) spearheaded the educational tour for the Marawi children.
One of the participating children delivered a heartfelt message during the meeting and thanked President Duterte and the security forces for showing their love to the Maranaos.