While offers of support are certainly welcome, the Philippine government and its regional partners are able to handle the threat of extremist terror groups without the help of western countries such as the US and Australia, said Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella.
A girl gestures by covering her face as she watched their store selling fresh bananas near a military checkpoint in Barangay Pawak, Saguiran, Lanao del Sur, on Thursday, June 22. (Alex D. Lopez/davaotoday.com)
Unless the historical injustices done to the Moro people is addressed through joint efforts by the government and other sectors, the issue will continue to be exploited and used by radicals and extremists to persuade other Moros, especially the youth to join their ranks.
Tight security is being implemented inside the Provincial Capitol of Lanao del Sur in Marawi City following reports of threats from militants. In the past days, stray bullets also hit visitors in the capitol's compound. (Alex D. Lopez/davaotoday.com)
Various progressive groups here protested in front of the Commission of Human Rights XI on Friday, June 23, slamming the claim of CHR that no violation of human rights was recorded a month after President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao.