Duterte: Mindanao still a dangerous place

More than two years after imposing martial law on the whole of Mindanao, President Rodrigo Duterte admitted on Tuesday that it is still a "dangerous place."

"Mindanao really seems to be a dangerous place still to go around. That is why it could not be in terms of truth na sabihin mo that everything is all right there and you can go around and will not be waylaid along the way. Delikado ang Mindanao," Duterte said in a speech before newly elected officials in Malacañang..

Mindanao has been under martial rule since May 2017 in response to ISIS-inspired Maute rebels who laid siege to Marawi City and allegedly attempted to establish a caliphate for the terror group.

Initially valid for only 60 days, Congress, upon Duterte's request, approved the extension of martial law in the region thrice. Unless it is extended again, martial law in Mindanao is due to end on December 31 this year.

The imposition of martial rule, however, did not stop lawless elements from bombing a Roman Catholic cathedral in Jolo, which left more than 20 people dead and injured some 100 others; and attacking a mosque in Zamboanga City in January.

Duterte meanwhile reiterated his call to the Moro people to expedite the exploitation of natural resources in the Bangsamoro region, including potentially oil-rich Liguasan Marsh.

The President earlier suggested to the Moros to look for partners for the exploration. — BM, GMA News