US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis praised the Philippine government for its success in battling militants in the southern city of Marawi, AlHurra Channel reported.

Mattis arrived in the Philippines on Monday to meet with senior government leaders and attend a meeting of Southeast Asian defense ministers.

"One of the first things I'm going to do when I get there is commend the Philippine military for liberating Marawi from the terrorists," Mattis told reporters on the flight to the Philippines, according to an official transcript.

"It was a very tough fight as you know in southern Mindanao. And I think the Philippine military sends a very strong message to the terrorists."

Source: MENA