MANILA -- The Philippines is using a three-pronged strategy to defeat the threats posed by terrorism to help ensure there is no repeat of the ongoing crisis in Marawi City.
This was emphasized by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in a briefing late Tuesday.
Fighting in Marawi City is now on its fourth month following the foiled attempt to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and his cohorts last May 23.
"And as a response to these threats, the Philippines is adopting a three-pronged strategy -- One, stopping the incursion of foreign terrorist elements and flow of financial and material support into the country," the DND chief said.
"Two, countering the spread of 'radical ideology' into the Philippines and identifying and resolving the root causes of radicalization among our people; and Three, improving intelligence and security operations and cooperating with the global community in fighting violent extremism," he added.
As of this posting, Maute Group terrorists killed in the ongoing fighting are now at 707 while civilians killed and executed by the lawless elements are now placed at 47.
Slain government troops are now at 151 and captured enemy weapons at 698 while rescued civilians are now at 1,730. (PNA)
