Duterte defends Philippine troops accused of looting in Marawi siege

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday rejected allegations by a rights group that troops engaged in looting during the bloody battle against Islamic State followers in the southern city of Marawi.

Duterte also assured soldiers he would protect their interests following claims by Amnesty International that they committed abuses during the five-month battle in Marawi that left over 1,000 people dead.

“Those [allegations] of stealing in Marawi, I don’t believe it. I was there. I know,” he told soldiers wounded in the siege.

Duterte, who frequently met soldiers during the operation, said it was understandable if they had used a civilian’s electric fan to combat the heat.

“But I don’t believe my soldiers are thieves. Where would they put [stolen items]?” he said.

Amnesty International released a report last week which claimed that troops looted televisions, antiques and computers.