MANILA - Vice President Leni Robredo called for unity as government troops continue to engage in a firefight against a local terrorist group in Marawi City.

Robredo said she was able to talk to military officials who told her that what the government troops need now is cooperation from the public as this will help resolve the crisis sooner.

"Ito po 'yung panahon na kinakailangan tayong magkaisa. Ito po 'yung panahon na kailangan pangalagaan natin nang sabay-sabay 'yung seguridad ng ating bansa. Hindi ito panahon para maghiwa-hiwalay tayo," she told reporters on Wednesday.

Robredo said she was also able to talk to the officials of Marawi City about the possible deployment of relief goods. She said officials are still figuring out a system on how to effectively and safely distribute the relief goods to the residents.

The Vice President also reiterated the call of Marawi officials to stay indoors and coordinate with government officials in case they get relevant information.

She also advised residents against evacuating in one area as they could be easy target for the occupying local terrorist group.

"'Yung seguridad naman po hindi lang 'to trabaho ng ating mga sundalo, hindi lang 'to trabaho ng kapulisan. Obligasyon po natin ito," he said.

Asked about her reaction to President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of martial law in Mindanao, Robredo said she has to see the details of the declaration first.