MANILA, Philippines – The leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured that all its soldiers battling the terrorist Maute Group in Marawi City are true to their sworn duties.

AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said all their men are true to their promises to perform their duties well and to show their loyalty to the country.

“All our personnel, all our soldiers or marines on the ground are there, they all accounted for, we do not doubt any of their loyalties, in fact, many of those who gave up their lives in Marawi from day one up to present and still fighting,” Padilla said.

“Our Muslim brothers and sisters also from the MNLF who have integrated and many communities who have decided to join the armed forces and qualified to be soldiers, marines and other members of the armed forces so by enlarge there has been any incident of the nature,” he added.

Padilla made the statement following the pronouncement of PNP Chief Director Ronald Bato dela Rosa claiming that there are some members of the police being investigated for suspicions of colluding with the Maute terrorist group. – Lea Ylagan | UNTV News & Rescue