The US military presence in Marawi, which was sought out by our defense officials, is a welcome development as it translates into “technical support and assistance” for our troops in the fight against the Abu Sayyaf-Maute terrorists that went on a rampage to destroy the city. Obviously the group appears to have long prepared for this “war,” given the presence of Islamic State-inspired fighters from the Middle East, Malaysia, Indonesia and many other countries.
Since the outbreak of the “battle for Marawi” last May 23, the terrorists seem to have limitless firepower, ammunition and local fighters. And they are using civilians as “shields” to deter government troops from launching all-out attacks on what remains of the terrorists’ “strongholds.”
I grieve and condole with the families of the officers and men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police who lost their lives to liberate Marawi from the terrorists.
On the other hand, the security sector should just ignore the expected noise that the communists, leftists and their allies will make in criticizing the US assistance. From the very beginning, the Left has done nothing for our country except to extort money, burn property, harass ordinary citizens, and commit other crimes. The Left is all noise and lip service to the poor. Nothing more.
JOMARIE KAYE PATALINGHUG,
jokaye1995@gmail.com