Soldiers rescue more than 1,700 civilians since day 1 of Marawi fighting

June 29, 2017

MARAWI CITY —  Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, Joint Task Force Marawi spokesman, said since May 23 at least 1,711 civilians trapped inside the battle zone were rescued. “This is a good indication our soldiers giving emphasis to civilians,” he said. Herrera said 71 soldiers and 303 Maute-Abu Sayyaf gunmen have been killed while 367 weapons were recovered from the enemy. More than 264,000 people were displaced and had sought refuge in areas outside of Malawi City since the fighting in the Islamic City broke out on May 23. “What is the implication of this? The more we recover guns from them, take down their positions, the more we are gaining grounds and vantage positions. We are navigating close to them,” he said. “Our wounded soldiers cannot be determined. We are awaiting reports. But the good thing, they are returning to the frontline after medication,” he added. Herrera said Abdullah Maute is still leading his men. A local official described the destruction from the 38-day battle between the military and the Maute group as “beyond evil” Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesperson for the Lanao del Sur provincial government, said: ““Actually our expectation…because we have not yet seen what’s inside but our confirmation of our fear  each day that we see pictures of what is happening…damages and caused against human lives…our affirmation of fear is increasing. It’s beyond evil.” “All the Maranaos that were able to see online were lost in words. They could not describe what they feel. its really beyond evil. We feel helpless at the same time you angered by the destruction,” he added. Adiong said support from the national government in terms of security and humanitarian response is “giving us hope.” DMS