Military death toll nears 100 as fighting continues

July 20, 2017

MARAWI CITY –Ninety-nine soldiers have perished as the battle  between the military against the Maute Group-Abu Sayyaf rages on since May 23, a military spokesman said. In their July 19 report at 7 pm Wednesday, the military said they o killed 421 of the enemy while 45 civilians died, with 1723 were rescued. Troops also recovered 516 assorted firearms and have cleared 15 more buildings More 852 soldiers are wounded. Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, Joint Task Force Lanao spokesman, said Abdullah Maute is still inside the main battle area along with 60 followers and hostages. “Currently, our troops are deployed in vantage position to continue pursue our enemies defensive positions. We are moving toward the center of the gravity,” Herrera said. Herrera said soldiers took control of the Sala’am and Maranaw Medical Clinic and Hospitals in Lilod Madaya, one of the four villages still under the control of Maute and Abu Sayyaf gunmen. The military official said the city, including earlier declared as safe zones, remained off limits to civilians. “While we are closing in to the center of gravity, the more our enemies will be defensive,” he said, adding there are many stray bullets from the enemy. DMS