Philippine President calls for dialogue with militants in Marawi
(VOVWORLD) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte urged Islamic militants to abandon hostilities and start dialogue in an effort to end violence in Marawi city in Mindanao island.
 Philippines soldiers patrol in Marawi city, Mindanao island on May 24, 2017 (Photo: EPA/VNA) |
At a press conference on Friday, Duterte said the presence of Muslim foreign fighters in Marawi City was a proof that IS has participated in the battles. He said his message mainly to the terrorists on the other side is solving the conflict through dialogue, adding that if the militants cannot be convinced to stop fighting, the Philippines will continue to fight.
On Thursday, the Philippines troops backed by rocket-firing helicopters killed 31 militants in Marawi city. The response of the Philipines military came after President Duterte decided to strengthen security in Mindanao to deal with emerged violence starting Tuesday. The conflict between the government and militant has made hundreds of people to flee.