Gov’t troops deployed in Marawi to protect people’s lives, secure vital installations

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 28): Gov’t troops deployed in Marawi to protect people’s lives, secure vital installations

The 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army on Tuesday evening immediately deployed troops in Marawi City to protect the lives of the people and secure vital installations from the threat of Maute terror group and Abu Sayyaf.

In an interview over a local radio station here, LtCol. Jo-ar Herrera, spokesperson for the Philippine Army’s 1st Division reported that earlier, reinforcements from nearby town arrived in the city to secure entry and exit points.

Herrera said the military strengthened their coordination with the local government unit to drive away the Maute and Abu Sayyaf group and ensure safety of the civilians.

He said the military conducted ongoing clearing operations in the area against the terrorist groups. “We are exercising maximum tolerance. We make sure that the ongoing military operations cannot affect the safety of our civilians,” he added.

When asked regarding his reaction on President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of Martial Law, Herrera said the command is still waiting for the operational guidelines from headquarters.

President Duterte has declared Martial Law in the southern island of Mindanao after about 100 Maute terror group and Abu Sayyaf members laid siege to a major city following a deadly gun battle with government forces. The emergency declaration took immediate effect and will last for 60 days.

Herrera said as part of their controlled measure, they are sending additional troops on the area and conducted checkpoint operations to prevent the spillover of violence.

“In implementing martial law, we will make sure that we are highly professional and we will fulfill our mandate to protect the Filipino people and secure the land. We will not allow harassment to happen,” Herrera assured.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371495760708/gov-t-troops-deployed-in-marawi-to-protect-people-s-lives-secure-vital-installations