Philippine's Duterte says he didn't seek US support in Marawi city siege

The battle for the southern Philippine city of Marawi has entered its third week as government troops continue to clash with the Maute and Abu Sayyaf Islamic groups.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said he did not seek Washington’s support to end the conflict.

This comes a day after the United States said it was providing assistance to the Philippines at Manila’s request. Government forces suffered the greatest loss last Friday, when a series of heavy fighting left 13 marines dead and more than 40 wounded. The deaths take the number of security forces killed to 58, while 20 civilians have also been killed. The Philippine military promises to end the Marawi battle by Independence Day on Monday, June 12.

(CGTN)