White House condemns attack in Marawi
White House press secretary Sean Spicer arrives for the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, May 2, 2017. Spicer introduced Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney to the podium but left without taking any questions. AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
MANILA, Philippines — The White House on Friday expressed its sympathy for the victims of the attack of terror suspects in Marawi City, vowing to be of assistance to the Philippines, the United States' longtime ally.
"These cowardly terrorists killed Philippine law enforcement officials and endangered the lives of innocent citizens," said Sean Spicer, US President Donald Trump's press secretary said in a statement on Friday, Manila time.
On late Tuesday night, President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao after the Philippine military and police clashed with the Islamic State-inspired Maute group in Marawi City on Tuesday afternoon.
READ: Duterte declares martial law in Mindanao
Spicer said that the US will continue to provide support to the Philippines in response to attacks.
"The United States will continue to provide support and assistance to Philippine counter terrorism efforts," he said.
He added that the US "is a proud ally of the Philippines," and will continue to work with the country to address shared threats and security.
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