Despite the continuous progress and successful operations of troops, which led to the deaths of terrorist leaders Omar Maute and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader Isnilon Hapilon, the military on Tuesday clarified that these accomplishments do not signal the end of hostilities nor the end of the fighting in the besieged city of Marawi.
During the Mindanao hour press briefing in Malacañang, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Major General Restituto Padilla Jr. said the fight is still not over because there are still spaces being occupied by the elements, as well as the existence of few hostages.
“Our operations in Marawi continue to progress positively and the successful operations conducted yesterday, early dawn, was one of most positive developments that we have ever had in the last number of months,” Padilla said.
“But this does not signal the end of hostilities nor the end of the fighting in Marawi because there are still remains up to this date the space occupied by armed elements and existence of hostages,” he added.
According to Padilla, the number of hostages that has been announced yesterday remain at about 20 persons, which includes women and children.
The AFP spokesperson also confirmed the existence of 20 to 30 armed elements in the warzone, including foreign terrorists.
“There is also still in existence of about 20 to 30 armed elements – strugglers if you may call them – of the group,” he stressed.
“Among these are about six to eight foreigners – foreign terrorists – to include the notorious foreign national Malaysian by the name of Dr. Mamud, the financier of Marawi siege,” he added.
Dr. Mamud remains to be one of the high-value targets in the operations still being conducted by the troops, according to Padilla. | (Tretch Melarpes – PTV)
