The monthlong conflict in Marawi may be finished in a week or two, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Tuesday.
In a radio interview over dzRH, the defense official admitted that there has been a “bit of pressure” to end the monthlong siege in Marawi with President Rodrigo Duterte scheduled to deliver his second State of the Nation Address (Sona).
“Medyo meron pressure dahil alam mo kung nandyan pa rin yung Marawi (conflict) at nagpapatayan pa rin eh parang hindi maganda sa State of the Nation Address ng Presidente,” he said.
Duterte is scheduled to deliver his second Sona on July 24.
Lorenzana also said he was told by Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año that the gun battle may be over in a week.
The military earlier said it would no longer set deadlines after failing to meet earlier ultimatums to end the conflict.
“Ito kasing Maute parang nakikita namin dito e they are going to fight to the death na eh. … Sinasabihan namin sila na mag-surrender na kayo, hindi na kayo mananalo pero patuloy pa rin ang operation. Pero matatapos na siguro ito bago magkaroon ng Sona, siguro tapos na yan,” he added.
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