After the Philippine military announced that the battle with ISIS fighters will end soon, President Rodrigo Duterte visited the battle ground in Marawi City to boost the morale of the soldiers. The Philippine military in a press statement said that despite the heavy rain, commander-in-chief in visiting his troops in the frontline.
Though the statement did not reveal the place, however, it was confirmed that the president visited areas which were previously occupied by Maute fighters.
Duterte was accompanied by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon and Presidential Adviser Arthur Tabaquero.
Upon arrival he was welcomed by officers including Presidential Security Group Joselito Bautista, Special Operations Command chief Maj.General Danilo Pamonang and Joint Task Force Commander General Ramiro Rey.
To boost the morale of the soldiers, Duterte gave water proof watches to them and advised them to be cautious in finishing off the enemies in Marawi."The end of this war is near so just have a little sacrifice and be cautious so after the war you are still alive," Duterte said to 300 fighting soldiers, as reported.
The president also announced that he would set aside USD 1 billion budget to provide scholarships for dependents of soldiers and cops.
This is the second visit President Duterte made as commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. At the height of the Marawi battle, Duterte, made his first visit to the city on July 21.
