PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte finally visited Marawi City Thursday, July 20, after two failed attempts to enter the conflict zone, despite the ongoing clashes between government forces and the Maute group.
Duterte visited the besieged city exactly four days before the declaration of martial law in Mindanao expires.
The Chief Executive declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, after Islamic State-affiliated Maute extremist group attacked Marawi City that left hundreds killed and thousands of families displaced.
The death toll in Marawi siege has risen to 565, as of July 19, including the 421 terrorists, 99 government troops, and 45 civilians.
On July 7, the President attempted to visit Marawi City but canceled his plan because of "inclement weather."
Despite security threats, Duterte insisted that he has to personally see the situation on the ground.
Malacañang earlier said that the Duterte had wanted to visit Marawi City so the affected families and the security troops would feel that "the government is behind them and the President has never left Marawi."
Malacañang is yet to release additional details regarding the President's successful visit in Marawi City. (VoxPop Philippines)
