Abu Sayyaf, BIFF next in military offensives

MANILA - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is confident that they can end the conflict in Marawi City before the end of the 60-day period of effectivity of President Rodrigo Duterte's martial law declaration in Mindanao.

AFP Chief of Staff Eduardo Año said they have noticed lesser resistance from the terrorists hiding in the southern city as the military continues to press into the conflict areas.

"As of this time, we noticed the resistance is getting lesser... So in a few more days it would be over. We would be able to clear a few more areas. Na-confine naman natin talaga yung mga kalaban sa isang lugar," he told ANC on Thursday.

After the military troops clear Marawi, the martial law administrator said they will be addressing the problems caused by other terror groups like the Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Año said the military will be pursuing these terror groups whether or not martial law in Mindanao is extended.

"There are still a lot of groups that we have to confront like the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu and Basilan, as well as the BIFF in Central Mindanao, together with the private armed groups supporting these terrorists," he said.