Duterte visits Marawi for 3rd time as Mindanao martial law enters 4th month

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday visited Marawi City for the third time since the fighting between the government troops and the pro-ISIS Maute forces began in May.

Pres. Duterte went to Marawi City earlier today ????: SAP Bong Go pic.twitter.com/mbxzHgTVZo

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) August 24, 2017

Like his first two visits and even the previous attempts, the media were not informed about the trip beforehand.

Malacañang has yet to provide details of Duterte’s Marawi visit as of posting time.

The President tried to visit Marawi City twice before he finally landed on the besieged Islamic city on July 20. He made his second trip on August 4.

Duterte had been keen about visiting the troops in the frontlines, saying he didn't want to go to Marawi only when the war has been won.

The pro-ISIS Maute group attacked Marawi City on May 23, prompting Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao and cancel his official visit in Russia to return home.

As of 7 p.m. on August 23, 595 terrorists have been killed in Marawi. However, the government also lost 129 security personnel. The terrorists have also killed 45 civilians. — MDM, GMA News