Philippine soldiers in Marawi city (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – The Philippinegovernment will continue its policy of no negotiation with Islamic State(IS)–linked militant groups which are holed up in the southern city of Marawi,presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said at a press conference on June 27.
The spokesperson said the government, militaryand political leaders refused to sanction the talks initiated by the Islamicmilitant groups on June 25 to negotiate for the release of 150 hostages inMarawi during the Eid-al-Fitr festival.
He stressed that the government will punish theextremists who have caused disorder in southern Philippines and forced 200,000civilians to flee.
Abella added that as many as 387 people werekilled in battles between the military and militant groups, including 290terrorists, 70 soldiers and 27 civilians.
Over 200,000 locals have been evacuated toIligan city and neighbouring localities in Lanao del Sur.
Meanwhile, the military is trying to clearMarawi city of the remaining militants and rescue residents who are being heldhostage. -VNA
The spokesperson said the government, militaryand political leaders refused to sanction the talks initiated by the Islamicmilitant groups on June 25 to negotiate for the release of 150 hostages inMarawi during the Eid-al-Fitr festival.
He stressed that the government will punish theextremists who have caused disorder in southern Philippines and forced 200,000civilians to flee.
Abella added that as many as 387 people werekilled in battles between the military and militant groups, including 290terrorists, 70 soldiers and 27 civilians.
Over 200,000 locals have been evacuated toIligan city and neighbouring localities in Lanao del Sur.
Meanwhile, the military is trying to clearMarawi city of the remaining militants and rescue residents who are being heldhostage. -VNA
VNA
