LOOK: Groupies, fist-bump greet Duterte in visit to Marawi war zone

President Duterte poses for groupies with troops in Barangay Killa in Marawi City. PHOTO/Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go

MARAWI CITY – President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday visited Barangay Kilala here to cheer up troops fighting Islamic State-inspired militants.

Kilala is where the military maintains a detachment and is considered part of the warzone.

The President arrived around 3 p.m. and was accompanied by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenza and Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go.

The full details of Duterte’s visit were not made available as it was off limits to reporters.

But a military source said the President rallied troops anew even as he expressed optimism that the war was nearing its end.

Soldiers greet  their commander in chief President Duterte with fist-bump. PHOTO/Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go

The military has suffered 119 deaths since the campaign against the Maute started on May 23. Mr. Duterte has promised to provide for their families. Members of the private sector have also donated funds to help their kin,

During his first visit here last month, Duterte said he wanted to come back as soon as possible to boost the morale of soldiers.

President Duterte delivers his message to troops fighting Marawi militants. PHOTO/Bong Go

He also asked them to continue the fight and pledged his full backing.

In a set of photos released by Go, the President was shown mingling with soldiers with Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. and 103rd Infantry Brigade chief Brig. Gen. Rolando Bautista.

Troops listen as Duterte speaks. PHOTO/Bong Go

Kilala is close to Barangay Marinaut, which was among the main battle areas since the start of the crisis.
The President also visited some wounded soldiers in the city.

Mr. Duterte also addressed the troops and posed for pictures with them, photos from Special Assisant to the President Christopher Go showed. He also visited the wounded. With a report from Leila B. Salaverria