Philippine President Duterte requests 20,000 more troops to fight multiple threats as IS battle in Marawi rages
Almost 700 people have been killed over more than two months of fighting in the southern city of Marawi against Islamist militants
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has sought approval to recruit a further 20,000 soldiers to tackle increased security threats stemming from a bloody urban siege in the south, his spokesman said.
Almost 700 people have been killed, according to the official count, over more than two months of fighting in the southern city of Marawi against Islamist militants, who pledged allegiance to Islamic State (IS).
“The request of the president for additional 20,000 troops is part of our intensified security posture to guard areas in the country where there are continuing security threats,” spokesman Ernesto Abella said on Sunday.
“The deployment of troops to Marawi and other points in Mindanao needs to be rebalanced to ensure maximum effectiveness,” he added.
