Duterte vows to double soldiers’ pay next year

MANILA, Philippines — There is no way the Philippines can become a territory or “caliphate” of the Middle East-based Islamic State (IS), President Duterte said yesterday as he promised 100 percent increase in the salary of soldiers next year as well as generous cash assistance for wounded combatants in the battle to retake Marawi.

“We will not allow those who subscribe to the Daesh ideology to succeed,” Duterte said at the 82nd anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), referring to the terror group by its derogatory Arab name.

“We will never allow the Islamic State to make the Philippines its regional center,” he added.

IS-inspired militants laid seige to Marawi City on May 23, prompting the President to place the entire Mindanao under martial law and send troops and policemen to liberate the beleaguered city.

More than 160 soldiers died during the siege that lasted for almost five months – the longest urban war in the country since World War II. The Marawi battle involved aerial bombing as well as vicious house-to-house fighting.

Duterte declared Marawi liberated from terrorists last October but has not lifted martial law in Mindanao because of supposed prevailing threats in other provinces. Congress has voted to extend military rule in the island until the end of 2018.

Duterte commended the soldiers and policemen for their sacrifices that led to the defeat of the terrorists in Marawi.

“I salute the brave men and women of our Army, Air Force and Navy for their courage, dedication and sacrifice to liberate Marawi from the clutches of extremist terrorists and communist insurgents,” the President said.

“Having said that, may I also extend my gratitude to the police and the other uniformed men, personnel in government who fought alongside you,” he added.

“I congratulate the Armed Forces of the Philippines for more than eight decades of honor, service, patriotism. To this day, you continue to play a crucial role in safeguarding our citizenry and securing our land,” he said.

Duterte said the death of Isnilon Hapilon, believed to be the anointed “emir” of the IS’s envisioned caliphate in the region, had bolstered his administration’s efforts to eliminate all terrorist groups in the country.

“Although we have already begun to rebuild Marawi City and rehabilitate conflict-affected areas, our fight is far from over. We will remain vigilant as we continue our intensified military (operations) against the remaining terrorist groups,” he said.

“I now return the favor to our troops who made the supreme sacrifice, suffered injuries and went beyond the call of duty. Be assured that the government will support all of your endeavors as we realize a stronger and more resilient government.”