Philippine gov't considers whether to lift martial law in Mindanao
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on July 3 that Philippine security authorities need more time to consider whether or not to lift the martial law on Mindanao island.
Hanoi (VNA) - Philippine Defense Secretary DelfinLorenzana said on July 3 that Philippine security authorities need more time toconsider whether or not to lift the martial law on Mindanao island.
Lorenzana told a news conference at the Presidential Palacethat the government needs a couple of weeks to see the real picture of Mindanao.
He said leader of the rebel group IsnilonHapilon is believed to hide inside one of the mosques in Marawi city, daysafter the Philippine army staged an air attack against the city, adding thatthe government will help rebuild the city destroyed by the ongoing fighting andaerial bombings, including houses for residents. Priority will be given to therepair or reconstruction of damaged buildings in the commercial centre such asstores and banks.
Clashes broke out between the army and militants linked to theself-claimed Islamic State (IS) in Marawi city on May 23, killing 225 rebels,59 soldiers and 26 civilians, forcing 309,000 others to leave Marawi andadjacent areas to seek safety.-VNA
The Philippine government will continue its policy of no negotiation with Islamic State (IS)–linked militant groups which are holed up in the southern city of Marawi, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said at a press conference on June 27.
People who ran away from their houses due to fights between military and Islamic gunmen in Marawi on Mindanao island in the south of the Philippines have become vulnerable to epidemics and mental shocks.
Indonesia and the Philippines plan to conduct a joint maritime patrol this week as part of efforts to prevent militants of the Islamic State (IS) from entering the Philippines’ restive southern island of Minadao, where rebels have seized a city.
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Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (Source: EPA/VNA) 
