Duterte finally visits troops in Marawi

President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to troops in Marawi City has finally pushed through, after two prior failed attempts.

Duterte told the troops that he intended to be with them while the fighting was ongoing.

“I have to be here to visit the you. Your life (referring to the soldiers) is not less important than mine. All of our lives are equally important. We are here to die for our country,” Duterte told the soldiers of Task Force Marawi.

Duterte said it hurt whenever he read the daily updates from the units operating in Marawi.

"I grieve every time I learn that soldiers and civilians die everyday in Marawi," Duterte said.

Duterte arrived at past 2 p.m. at the 103rd Brigade headquarters with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Eduardo Año.

“I say a little prayer for those who have fallen… I grieve for all the deaths, civilians and soldiers, especially that I was the one who made you come here,” Duterte said.

Duterte said he would move for the allocation of a P50-billion trust fund for the children of the military and police.

He said he also wanted to supply the troops best equipment.

“I urge you to continue to fight for your country and know that I will fight for your rights,” Duterte said.

Neither the Palace nor AFP announced Duterte's visit publicly.

Bad weather kept Duterte from going to Marawi City on two occasions, on June 8 and on July 7.

Duterte had previously said he needed to visit the troops while the firefighting was still ongoing. —JST/NB, GMA News