It took the latest in war technology, more than P50 billion in cost, and a longer time frame—four months and three weeks—to score victory in Marawi against insurgents wanting to establish a caliphate and a hub for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in Southeast Asia, but the victory was sweet and decisive just the same. And Southeast Asia could heave a sigh of relief with the apparent mortal blow to ISIS’s expansionary ambitions in the region, home to some 240-million Muslims.
When the insurrection erupted on May 23, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte was making a state visit in Moscow. He promptly declared martial law and cut short his visit to two days and the same night flew to Mindanao to oversee the counter terrorism operation.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, a retired general, initially placed the number of terrorists at no more than 50 and indicated the counter-terrorism would be finished in a matter of days. The military failed to reckon with the support of local officials in Marawi and nearby provinces and the seeming sympathy of residents. Duterte himself declared later the siege of Marawi was funded by illegal drugs money, principally from the criminal syndicate Maute group.
Wearing gear ready for combat and an aviator’s dark glasses, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte made his seventh visit to balmy Marawi on Oct. 17, 2017. Amid cheers and tears, the commander-in-chief declared the war-torn city’s liberation from terrorists.
His declaration came on the heels of the death of terrorist leaders, Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute. The President also announced that the liberation of Marawi City marks the start of the rehabilitation process of the war-torn city.
The President commended the military and the police for risking their lives fighting terrorists. He led the distribution of groceries, wrist watches, and sunglasses to government troops. He also gave them new pistols.
Joining the presidential victory sojourn were Defense Secretary Lorenzana, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año, Philippine Army Commander Major General Rolando Bautista, Philippine National Police Director-General Ronald dela Rosa, and Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby declare Marawi City liberated from the terrorist influence that marks the beginning of rehabilitation for the people,” the Duterte said in Marawi, a day after Maute terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute were killed by sniper fire using thermal technology by government troops.
‘Wag na natin itong ulitin kailanman. Sa panahon ko, hindi ako papayag. Government must have access dito sa loob,”an exultant commander-in-chief declared.
Duterte expressed gratitude to the government troops.
He also lauded the military and the police for their bravery.
“Maraming salamat at maligaya kaming mga Pilipino sa inyo. Mabuhay! Mabuhay! Mabuhay ang Armed Forces pati police! Matatapang, lalo na sa babae,” Duterte said.
The President was also concerned about the government’s wounded security personnel.
“Mga minahal kong sundalo, pulis, ang problema ko ang nasugatan ngayon. Marami ‘yan. ‘Yung iba nabaldado,” he said.
“I can guarantee you. Sinasabi ko na sa inyo ngayon, walang iwanan. Ipupwesto ko silang lahat,” the President said.
According to government data, nearly 1,000 people have been killed in the conflict, including more than 800 enemies, 47 civilians and 163 government troops since the rebellion started in May.
Immeasurable is the long-term damage done to Marawi and nearby provinces. And has the ISIS been really stopped in its track as it marches and marauds through Southeast Asia and the rest of Asia?