FILIPINO President Rodrigo Duterte declared the “liberation” of Marawi from Islamist militants yesterday — as troops began a final offensive in the southern city.

Mr Duterte made the announcement to soldiers at the ruins of a school less than a mile from where troops were attacking the last pocket held by Isis-affiliated Maute and Abu Sayyaf extremists.

“I hereby declare Marawi city liberated from the terrorist influence," he said to cheers.