MANILA,
May 24 (PNA) — Malacañang on Wednesday said President Rodrigo Duterte placed
the entire Mindanao island under martial law to suppress terrorist groups from
wreaking further havoc in Southern Philippines.
“In
order to suppress lawless violence and rebellion and for public safety, it is
necessary to declare Martial Law in the entire island of Mindanao, including
Sulu, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi for a period of 60 days,” Presidential Spokesperson
Ernesto Abella said in a statement.
“The
government is in full control of the situation and is fully aware that the
Maute/ISIS and similar groups have the capability, though limited, to disturb
the peace; these have shown no hesitation in causing havoc, taking innocent
lives and destroying property,” Abella added.
Earlier,
Malacañang said that foremost in President Duterte’s mind is the nation’s
interest and asked for public calm and cooperation.
“Let
us be clear that first and foremost, the President's priority is the nation's
interest. He has full confidence in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the
Philippine National Police’s management of the situation. We ask that the
residents take all precaution, cooperate with authorities, and stay calm,”
Abella said.
President
Duterte declared the entire Mindanao island under martial law following clashes
between government troops and members of the Maute group in Marawi City.
The
development also prompted Duterte to cut short his official visit to Moscow and
fly back home at the soonest.
The
violence started Tuesday afternoon after the military conducted operations to
flush out Isnilon Hapilon, a top terrorist suspect, from his hideout in Marawi
City.
Defense
Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that two soldiers and one police officer were
killed, while 12 others were wounded in the ongoing clashes.
Several
facilities were also torched by the terror group including St. Mary’s Church,
the city jail, the Ninoy Aquino School, and Dansalan College. (PNA)
