24 July 2017

News Story: Philippine gov't to intensify offensive to quell IS terrorists - military

MANILA, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government on Sunday warned Islamist militants and their sympathizers to surrender or face the full force of the law.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana issued the warning a day after the Philippine Congress approved the extension of martial law in the entire Mindanao until the end of the year.

He said security forces are determined to defeat terrorism within the next five months when martial law is enforced in the south Mindanao region.

"With the overwhelming vote of confidence from our legislature and the ardent support of the Filipino people, your defense department will strive even more to deal with the rebellion decisively and expeditiously," Lorenzanna said in a statement.

Lorenzana urged militants to return to the government fold, saying the government is ready to welcome them anytime they want without any conditions.

Read the full story at Xinhua