Duterte to troops in Marawi: ‘I won’t abandon you’

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has lauded government forces fighting Islamic State (IS)-linked terrorists in conflict-torn Marawi City, saying he would not abandon them.

“I am commending our troops of the Republic of the Philippines on the ground for your relentless effort and determination in our goal to retake the city of Marawi from the Maute group and the other local terrorist groups,” Duterte said in a video message released by the Presidential Communications Office Monday night.