Troops kill 10 alleged Maute reinforcements in Marawi

August 28, 2017

MARAWI CITY — Government forces killed ten suspected reinforcements to the Maute-Aby Sayyaf Group as they tried to enter the main battle area in on Monday.

Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, Jr., head of the Western Mindanao Command, told reporters soldiers intercepted ten persons on board two motorized pump boats at 2:30 am.

He said a three-hour fire fight erupted, killing all 10.

“Pursuit operations immediately ensued between forces of the Joint Task Group Lawa and the fleeing terrorists.  At 5:00 a.m., upon searching the area, troops were able to recover five dead bodies of the enemy; one M16 rifle; and one motorized pump boat,” he said.

Galvez said soldiers were able to neutralize five more persons but they were not able to recover the bodies.

“One of the pump boats was also seen sinking during the pursuit operation.  Patrolling soldiers and policemen are still looking for the dead bodies and sunken boat,” Galvez said.

Galvez said the incident served as warning to other supporters who are planning to get inside the main battle zone.

"Let this be a warning to those who have the intention to escape and to enter, our troops are ready for you. We will get definitely get you,” he said.

Since May 23, at least 130 troops had been reported killed along with 603 Abu Sayyaf and Maute gunmen since hostilities broke out.

Forty-five civilians had also died, while more than 1,728 were rescued from the battle zone.

Western Mindanao Command Spokesperson Captain Jo-ann Petinglay said soldiers have recovered 1,270 improvised bombs and unexploded ordnance in the different structures at the main battle area.

Petinglay said troops recently regained control of a Catholic church located in the heart of the business district here after 95 days.

Soldiers of the 10th Infantry Battalion cleared St Mary's Cathedral located in the village of Marinaut, Marawi City at 3 in the afternoon last August 25. DMS