Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 2) — Marawi City may soon be Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque’s second workplace.
In his first press briefing Thursday as President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesperson, Roque said he wants to hold press briefings in Marawi, the provincial capital of Lanao del Sur which was the battle ground of the ISIS-inspired Maute group and government forces for five months.
“I am planning on doing briefings regularly on Wednesdays from the ground in Marawi,” Roque said. He said the first will be on November 8.
Roque was asked to describe the situation in Marawi after the military said there were still around 20 remaining Maute stragglers in the battle area, according to an Indonesian national authorities captured on Wednesday.
Read: Indonesian national captured in Marawi battle zone
On Thursday, the military said two more Maute fighters were killed in a firefight late Wednesday.
Read: Two more Maute fighters killed in Marawi
Roque said the remaining terrorists do not have the capability “to engage (troops) frontally but they may still be in hiding.”
“That is why the military continues to exercise caution. That is also why we have not allowed civilians to return completely to the war zone area,” he said.
Roque added he may be able to give the public “better answers” once he returns to Marawi. He said he’s been there twice to visit and provide assistance to the displaced residents and soldiers.
Over 300,000 residents were displaced in Marawi since May 23, when clashes between soldiers and Maute fighters began. Over 900 terrorists and 165 soldiers were killed in the war, along with 47 civilians.
Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi on October 17. The military terminated combat operations on October 23.
New spokesperson
Duterte himself named Roque as his new spokesperson on October 27, replacing Ernesto Abella.
Roque on Thursday said he does not know what Duterte’s plans for Abella are, but said he’s sure “there’s something in store” for him.
“He’s a very difficult act to follow,” Roque said, referring to the former pastor’s calmness.
Roque also said he believes the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson under his watch will be an independent office since Duterte gave him a Cabinet post as secretary.
