Duterte says he did not know about US support against pro-IS rebels

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he did not know the US was supporting Manila against rebels in Marawi.

Philippine President, center, denies asking the US to help suppress rebels. Photo: Reuters

"I didn't know that until they came," Reuters quoted Mr. Duterte as saying at a press conference today, when asked about the US support for the Philippine military against Maute rebels linked to the Islamic State (IS) in Marawi.

The Philippine president also said he had never approached the United States for help.

A spokesman for the US Embassy in Manila said yesterday.At the request of the Philippine government, US special forces are assisting the Philippine military in its campaign in Marawi against Maute and Abu Sayyaf (ASG) rebels.

The Philippine military saidUS forces have provided technical assistance to the Philippines, but have not sent troops to directly fight the rebels.

The US military on June 5 transferred to the Philippines hundreds of machine guns, pistols and grenade launchers to serve the military campaign against the Maute group of Islamic State (IS) militants entrenched in the southern city of Marawi.

The Philippine military said it will try to end its offensive against rebels in Marawi on June 12.. This force previously suffered heavy losses when 13 marines were killed while fighting with rebels.

According to VNE