Philippine President Duterte declares liberation of Marawi City

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday declared Marawi City "liberated from terrorists" after a five-month battle against militants loyal to ISIL.

Duterte made the declaration in a rain-soaked speech to troops in Marawi where they have been fighting the militants in clashes that have claimed more than 1,000 lives and displaced 400,000 people.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby declare Marawi liberated from the terrorists," Duterte said.

The president's visit comes a day after two leaders of the rebel alliance were killed.

Right after Duterte's declaration, military spokesman Restituto Padilla told news channel ANC that about 30 Islamist rebels holding an estimated 20 hostages remain in the city and military operations continue.

"The declaration of the president hopefully gives way for the entry and start of rehabilitation, reconstruction and rebuilding of Marawi from the ashes," said Padilla.

(CGTN)