VP Leni calls for unity amid ongoing Marawi City clearing ops

Vice President Leni Robredo has called on the country to unite as efforts to neutralize the Maute Group in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur are underway. (Photo: Leni Robredo/ Facebook)

MANILA—Vice President Leni Robredo has called on the country to unite as efforts to neutralize the Maute Group in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur are underway.

She made the statement shortly after her briefing regarding the incident with ranking Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officials in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Wednesday morning.

“Now is the time for us to unite (as a people). Now is the time for us to unify and protect our country’s security. This is the not the time for us to be fragmented,” Robredo said in Filipino.

She also reiterated her office’s willingness to provide relief aid to families displaced by the fighting in Marawi City.

Robredo noted that her staff has been in constant communication with representatives of the affected city.

However, the same representatives advised them to put their efforts on hold as they do not have any idea how to receive the aid.

“They will tell us when it is okay for us to send aid,” the Vice President said.

Robredo also advised Marawi City residents not to evacuate and gather in a common area as this could make them vulnerable to attacks.

This was based on the advice of the AFP, she added.

The Vice President meanwhile appealed to citizens to help soldiers and police officers in securing the communities against terrorism, as this is also the duty of the people.