NUEVA ECIJA -- President Rodrigo Duterte was unfazed by the ambush attempt on members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) in Marawi, Lanao del Sur on Tuesday morning.
At the inauguration of the mega drug facility here at Camp Fort Magsaysay in Laur, the President said he would still go to Marawi despite the slay attempt.
"Earlier, my advance party (PSG members) were ambushed. An IED (improvised explosive device) exploded," Duterte said.
"But I'm going there. I'm simply going there. The advice is to simply postpone [my visit but] no, [I will go]," he added.
Duterte said he would not mind if he would encounter clash during his visit, noting that Vice President Leni Robredo could replace him, should any tragic incident happen.
"[I don't mind] gun fight here, gun fight there. [That's an] exercise. If I'm not able to overcome it, there is Vice President Leni Robredo," he said.
Nine persons have been reported injured, consisting of 7 PSG members and two regular troops, escorting them, following the explosion of an improvised explosive device while they were en route Marawi.
PSG spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Michael Aquino said one presidential guard sustained serious injuries. (Sunnex)