President Duterte vowed that the government will remain steadfast in securing the country against terrorism, violent extremism, and other lawless elements.
The Chief Executive made this promise as he led the commemoration of the fourth anniversary of the liberation of Marawi City last Saturday, Oct. 16.
“With your support, I am confident that we will overcome any challenge that will test our unity as a nation,” he said in his speech during the event held in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
“Let us therefore continue working as one to secure a better, safer, and more prosperous future for all of Marawi,” added Duterte.
At the same time, he recognized the sacrifice and bravery of soldiers and police personnel who fought for several months to defeat Islamic State-linked Maute terrorist group who occupied the city for five months back in 2017.
“Let me again give recognition to our soldiers and police personnel, and local constituency for their bravery, sacrifice, and determination in defending and liberating Marawi City after five months of battle,” the President said.
“I pray to God that it will never happen ever, ever again," added the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) chairman.
Meanwhile, he assured local residents that the government was doing its best to expedite the completion of rehabilitation projects and to "bring back the city’s glory'".
A good portion of the Islamic city was reduced to rubble as a result of the fighting between the government forces and the terrorists, which were estimated to be around 1,000.