Duterte vows not to let ISIS to succeed and create ‘caliphate’ in the Philippines

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said he would not allow the Islamic State to turn the Philippines into its regional center.

Duterte, at the 82nd anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said the death of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon bolster the administration’s resolve in eliminating al terror groups in the country.

“We will not allow those who subscribe to the Daesh ideology to succeed. We will never allow the Islamic State to make the Philippines its regional center,” he said.

Duterte said that the fight is “far from over” even if the rehabilitation of Marawi City has started.

“We will remain vigilant as we continue our intensified military [operations] against the remaining terrorist groups,” he said.

Source: GMA Network