Philippines president, MILF chief discuss Marawi crisis

By Roy Ramos

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines

President Rodrigo Duterte has asked rebel forces to help the government in extending humanitarian assistance to civilians in Marawi city.

The president met a delegation of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders in Davao City on Monday to discuss ongoing clashes in Marawi on the island of Mindanao.

Duterte placed the entire Island under martial law following the Daesh-linked Maute group attacked the city on May 23. Since then a total of 65 Maute militants, 20 troops and 19 civilians have been killed in the clashes, military spokesman said.

According to a statement from the joint communication team of the government and the MILF, the rebel group welcomed the president’s proposal.

The MILF, a rebel group based in southern Philippines, had signed a peace agreement with the government in March 2014 but has yet to fully implement it.

"The peace mechanisms such as the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCHs) of both the government and the MILF would be utilized for planning and implementing the ways on how to immediately and safely extend the humanitarian assistance," it said.

Meanwhile, a video circulated Tuesday shows abducted priest Father Teresito Soganub appealing the government to stop military offensives.

Soganub was one of the hostages taken from the Cathedral of Our Lady Help in the city of Marawi on Tuesday, May 23.

"Mr President, we are in the midst of this war. We are asking your help to please give what your enemies are asking for,” the priest said in the video, as reported by Rappler.

“They simply are not asking for anything -- just to withdraw your forces away from Lanao del Sur and Marawi City, and to stop the air strikes, your air attacks, and to stop the cannons," he added.