President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday, June 29, that he expects the conflict in Marawi City to end soon as government security forces continue to gain ground against the Maute terrorist group.
The way the situation evolves in the city, the President said he thinks that the conflict will end “in a matter of days” or “before the end of the month.”
“We are winning the war. Do not worry,” he said in his speech during his visit to Camp Quintin M. Merecido in Davao City.
Duterte said among the indications that the Marawi crisis would soon be over is that “there is less enemy to contend with, less resistance and less fighting.”
Duterte noted that what is prolonging the conflict is the superior position of the enemy having occupied vantage positions, adding that most buildings are occupied by snipers resulting to casualties on the government side.
At the same time, the President expressed his gratitude to the policemen, stressing that he will provide all their needs to do their job effectively.
“I give you the assurance that you will be protected and I will be there to help you,” Duterte said.
“The government is ever thankful for the service that you selflessly give to our country,” he said. “In this light, logistical support has been given to our police forces to ensure they have adequate provision to perform their duties as well.”
The President said the wounded will be treated in military hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment, adding that he already allows the use of the Presidential aircraft to transport injured soldiers and policemen fighting in the frontline.
“Mas kailangan ng mga sundalo natin. But you can rest assured na you will have the best. You will have the best of everything,” the President said.
He also promised to build a hospital in Camp Quintin Merecido.
The President meanwhile informed that there will be an increase in the salaries of soldiers and policemen.
“By next year, December malaman na ninyo ‘yan, next year January doblado na ang sweldo ninyo. Nag-i-increase kayo… Tingnan niyo ‘yung paycheck ninyo, every month nagtataas-taas. Pagdating ng January niyan, the whole amount, covered na,” he said.
President Duterte also reiterated his promised of providing a P50 billion education trust fund for the children of service personnel.
“Patay ka, buhay ‘yung para lang sa edukasyon sa mga bata. Just to make sure kung kulangin…‘yung mga benefits ninyo after you retire, you can apply… dito sa ano, ‘yung mga kulang,” he noted.
And if they have concerns that are beyond their means, the President advised the policemen to inform their commanders or his office in order to address their problems. ###PND
