Story highlights Philippines leader visited an evacuation center for people fleeing Marawi

Country's forces have been battling militants there since May 23

Iligan, Philippines (CNN) Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte begged forgiveness Tuesday for declaring martial law in Mindanao island and vowed to rebuild Marawi, the battle-scarred city at the heart of nearly four weeks of fighting between Philippines forces and ISIS-affiliated militants.

"I had no choice. They are destroying Marawi. I have to drive them out. But I am very sorry," Duterte said. He was speaking at a makeshift evacuation center for hundreds of residents of the northern Mindanao city who have been forced to flee their homes.

"I will rebuild Marawi," he promised.

Duterte talks to residents of Marawi in a displaced persons camp on the Philippines island of Mindanao on June 20, 2017.

The battle has resulted in numerous deaths and triggered a humanitarian crisis in the country. According to the Philippines government, more than 330,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.

The majority have found shelter with friends and family, but more than 16,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) are crowded into evacuation centers, where government agencies are trying to provide basic necessities.

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