MANILA — The situation in Marawi City is now returning back to normal.
This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año when asked about the situation on the locality after the government officially declared the end of all combat operations in the area.
“The situation in Marawi now is (returning) to normal, we have actually sent off units also going out of Marawi (and) nagde-deploy tayo in preparation sa ASEAN Summit this coming November at saka unti-unti na nating ibabalik yung mga units na kinuha sa Visayas at saka Luzon pero meron pa rin tayong mga pwersang iiwanan dyan sa Marawi,” he added.
No skirmishes have been reported as of this time, the AFP chief pointed.
As of this time, troops are helping the damage assessment and physical clearing of bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) left by the Maute Group which could cause casualties if left unattended.
Asked if he considers the Maute Group defeated after the battering it got in Marawi City, Año replied: “Matagal na, sa tingin ko matagal na panahon yan maga-attempt sila mag-recover, they don’t have such capability na ginawa nila katulad dito sa Marawi, ang babantayan lang natin dito yung mga lone wolf attack, yung meron isa dalawa at magpapakitang gilas at magpapasabog ng IED, yun ang babantayan natin na wala sanang mangyaring ganun, pero yung scale na ginawa nila not (Marawi attack), they don’t have (that) capability (anymore).”
Around 920 Maute Group terrorists and their allies were killed in the five-month battle that started last May 23 when authorities tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and his cohorts.
The AFP chief also expressed confidence that all terrorists had been wiped out in the fighting and all that remains for the military to neutralize is the Abu Sayyaf and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. (PNA)
