MANILA, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte may cut short his visit to Russia and return to the Philippines following fighting between government forces and the Maute in the south of the country, a senior government official said Tuesday.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, who is accompanying the president on the visit to Moscow, said President Duterte may cut short his official visit to Russia, including postponing his meetings with President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
Duterte on Tuesday declared martial law, effective for 60 days following fighting between government forces and the Maute group, his spokesman Ernesto Abella said in Moscow.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana assured the public that government is in control of Mindanao but advised residents to stay indoor.
