174 dead, 35 of them government troops in Marawi  

June 1, 2017

MARAWI CITY — Deaths in fighting between government forces and ISIS-linked militants reached 174, including 10 soldiers who were hit by friendly fire at the height of air strikes here. Fighting is now on its ninth day where the attackers are in the central part of the city. “It’s the areas where you can see the culture of Maranao. Since they occupied that area, the symbolism of being there put a strong signal that you occupied the entire of Marawi city,” said Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesman of the Lanao provincial government. “They are sending signals outside they are powerful enough,” he added. Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, spokesperson for the 103rd Infantry Brigade, told reporters in a press briefing here, air strikes continue despite the incident Monday where ten soldiers and eight others wounded in an explosion brought about by air strike. “There will be investigation on that and air assault is going on as I speak,” he said. Herrera said over 900 civilians were rescued, 19 civilians died and 98 high-powered firearms were recovered from the enemies. “We have reports that various lawless group have joined the Maute group. We are validating the presence of other armed groups,” he said DMS