Philippine's Duterte may bomb mosques in Marawi City

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday gave his military the freedom to end the long-drawn battle in Marawi City which can include bombing mosques.

The siege in Marawi, which erupted May 23, following the attack by pro-Daesh Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups, is on its 100th day.

"The last time I was there, I finally said the option is already yours. Because we cannot have a stalemate for over one year," Duterte said in a speech at the 23rd anniversary of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority as quoted by ABS-CBN News.

Government troops investigated the possibility of attacking mosques that were converted into enemy strongholds by the terrorists even during the early days of the battle but were stopped by higher authorities including Duterte given the international laws that prohibit attacks on religious places.

Duterte also earlier asked troops to wait it out because the safety of the captives-estimated to number 30 - should be the utmost priority.

The president however added that it was hard for him to arrive at the decision. "It will generate more hatred, instead of healing… But it is taking so long," he said. "I am raising my hands because people in the government - police, military, local government units and civilians were already complaining."

Duterte, though has become impatient since the negotiations with the terrorists, to surrender and free the hostages have produced nothing. The President also revealed that he sent an emissary to talk to the militants. "I have sent somebody already, if we can save the day for all of us," he said.