(Eagle News) — Vice President Leni Robredo called for calm on Wednesday, saying now was the time to “unite” in the face of terrorist threats in Mindanao.
“Makakatulong tayo ng malaki sa mga sundalo kung kalmado lang tayo…Panahon ito na magkaisa tayo. Magtiwala tayo sa ating mga sundalo..,” she said in an ambush interview with reporters after her meeting with military officials in Camp Aguinaldo.
She also asked the public to be “responsible,” noting that “a lot” of information coming out in social media was “not true” and only caused undue panic.
Asked if she was for the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, Robredo said “mahirap kasing sabihin ngayon.”
She said it would be best to “wait for the arrival” of President Rodrigo Duterte, who has cut short his official visit to Russia following reports members of the Maute group had overrun some parts of Marawi.
The military said the clashes between the terrorist group and government troops ensued after authorities began operations against Isnilon Hapilon in Marawi on Tuesday morning.
Hapilon, who purports to be the leader of the Islamic State in the Philippines, was reportedly hiding in Marawi.
“Hindi natin alam terms nito, guidelines. Mas mabuting hintayin natin. Maging supportive tayo at this point kung ano ang gagawin ng pamahalaan,” Robredo said.
She noted that based on information provided to her, the Armed Forces of the Philippines was “in control” of the situation.
“Kalaban natin dito ang terorismo,” she noted.
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