PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday expressed appreciation for China's relentless assistance to the Philippines while war raged in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur.
During his bilateral talks with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, Duterte highlighted China's dedication to support his government when it "badly" needed the help of other countries in stopping the armed conflict in Marawi.
With the help of foreign communities, the Philippine government successfully liberated Marawi City on October 17, after state troops neutralized terror leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.
Duterte proudly relayed to Li that Hapilon was killed using one of the rifles donated by China to the Philippines.
"We look forward to a more robust, more productive relations in the days to come. Let me also assure you that during the critical stage of the Marawi incident, where we needed help badly, it was China who responded immediately to our cry for help," Duterte told Li during their meeting at Malacañang Palace.
"I am happy to report to you that one of the rifles that you gave us killed Hapilon, who was the leader or the emir that they named in the Philippines," he added.
The conflict in Marawi erupted on May 23, 2017, after a government raid failed to arrest Hapilon, purportedly the emir of global terror group Islamic State. Defense officials ended the war on October 23, or exactly five months later.
Duterte imposed a 60-day one-man rule in the entire Mindanao on May 23 to prevent a spillover of the conflict. Martial law in Mindanao has been extended until December 31, 2017.
Li, for his part, praised the Philippines for successfully combating the terror acts perpetrated by the militants in Marawi City.
"The Philippines, in terms of upholding national security and fighting terrorist crimes, has played a very important role. China and other members of the international community formally support the fight against terrorism in all forms. Your victory against terrorism is result of your own efforts," the Chinese official said.
Li emphasized the Philippines' "courage and wisdom" to counter terrorism and restore normalcy in the strife-torn city.
He assured Duterte that China remains committed to helping the Philippines as it proceeds to rehabilitating Marawi City.
"We kindly appreciate the courage and wisdom demonstrated by the Philippine government in the fight against terrorism and we also want to provide assistance to the post-war reconstruction in Marawi, and also the improvement of the livelihood of the people," he said.
"We are ready to provide and grant assistance to your country. Helping the Philippines is helping ourselves. Like you Mr President said, China and the Philippines are close neighbors. Both China and the Philippines are countries with large populations and we are developing opportunities and the big market for each other," he added. (VoxPop Philippines)
