Filipinos must unite to defeat terror threats - Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): Filipinos must unite to defeat terror threats - Lorenzana

As military units continue to capture and neutralize remaining Maute Group positions in Marawi City, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday urged the Filipino people to unite with the government to defeat terrorism.

"As government security forces continue to defeat and retake positions from ISIS-linked local terrorists, we see the need, now more than ever, for the Filipino people to unite against these forces of evil," he added.

Lorenzana also stressed that terrorism is against all ideals and aspirations of peace-loving Filipinos.

"It is anti-environment, anti-people, anti-country, and anti-God," the DND chief added.

In the fourth week of the conflict which started May 23, a total of 258 Maute Group terrorists have been killed along with 65 troops and police officers along with 26 civilians.

Also, a total of 16 buildings, formally occupied by the lawless elements, have been captured in the past few days.

Fighting as of this posting are still confined in four barangays, adding that the use of snipers, improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades are slowing down the progress of military personnel engaged in clearing operations.

"Let us all show our strong rejection of the terrorists and their sympathizers' futile attempts to sway the hearts and minds of our people by ignoring and reporting terrorist-linked and suspicious social media accounts to the proper authorities. We must also be very discerning in sharing any information that may cause undue panic that would further the enemy's agenda," Lorenzana concluded.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996573