Marawi not safe, Palace appeals to residents not to return yet

The government has appealed to the residents of Marawi to wait for the end of the hostilities before returning to their communities for their own safety.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the Palace understands the sentiment of the Marawi residents wanting to return to their homes but warned them of the “high” risk of explosives and other traps left by the terrorist Maute Group in the area.

“For the safety of everyone, it is better to just wait for the end of hostilities and the completion of clearing

operations,” Abella said.

He admitted that there was “no assurance” yet that areas outside the battle zone in Marawi are already safe to reside and live in. He said the government has received reports of stray bullet victims and the presence of explosives in the area.

“The clearing of the entire city of Marawi of IEDs and booby traps left by terrorists, unexploded ordnance and other explosives is still ongoing. The danger and risks these pose still remain high,” he added.

Death toll The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday said that the number of ISIS-inspired Maute Group members killed in the continuing battle in Marawi City has already reached 405.

In a statement, AFP Public Affairs Office (PAO) chief Colonel Edgar Arevalo, said from 399 fatalities on Saturday, an additional six Maute fighters were slain by government troops on Day 55 of the conflict.

He added that a total of 503 firearms have so far been recovered from the terrorists.

Meanwhile, the number of government forces killed is now 95 after two more soldiers were added on the list of fatalities. The number of civilians killed by the terrorists remains at 45.

“The clearing of the portions of the last remaining four barangays is still ongoing,” Arevalo said.

Meanwhile, 1st Infantry Division spokesman Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, disclosed that more or less 500 buildings have yet to be cleared by government troops.

Herrera also said that based on information coming from the ground, there are still around 60 to 70 Maute fighters still holed up in Marawi City.

Over the last 48 hours, government troops have already secured an additional 60 buildings previously occupied by the Maute Group.

3,000 firearms

Nearly 3,000 high-powered firearms will be distributed to police forces assigned in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur as the government intensifies its campaign against terrorism.

Director General Ronald dela Rosa, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the high-powered firearms are part of the donation of the Chinese government which was received by the Department of National Defense early this month.

Aside from sniper rifle, some 3,000 Chinese variant of M16 rifles were donated to the military along with five million rounds of ammunition.