Over 200 militants still occupying center of Marawi

June 9, 2017

MARAWI CITY -- More than 200 Islamic militants are still occupying the center of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur even as the military continued bombing their positions, a military spokesman said Friday The air strikes started early Friday and around 10:30 am in areas where there are still  members of Maute and Abu Sayyaf. Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera said brothers Omar and Abdullah Maute, the leaders of ISIS inspired group, are still inside Marawi using tunnels to provide logistical support and for their protection. "They are still inside commanding their men, " Herrera said. Since fighting started on May 23, Herrera said at least 40 soldiers, 138 militants, and 20 civilians have died. Herrera said 500 to 2000 civilians are trapped inside the war zone. Herrera reported they have discovered at least 63 Facebook accounts of Maute symphatizers spreading fake information and propaganda. "We are asking the Facebook Philippines to conduct necessary measures to take down these fake accounts," he added. Herrera said the rehabilitation of Marawi has begun as military engineers arrived Friday. DMS