AFP claims number of Maute fighters in Marawi back to 80

MEMBERS of Islamist State (IS)-inspired Maute militant group currently engaged in a firefight with the government troops in Marawi City has risen to 80 gunmen, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday.

AFP spokesperson Major General Restituto Padilla said the number of Maute fighters holed up in strife-torn Marawi increased because the extremists reportedly “forced” their hostages to join them in the continuing battle.

Padilla said around 40 to 60 people were still held hostage by the Maute group since the insurgency erupted in Marawi on May 23.

“Hostages are believed to be still at about 40 to 60. And the enemy’s strength per the last validation seemed to have increased from 60 to 80,” the military spokesman told a press conference.

“[This is] because of news and information that indicated that perhaps, some of the hostages previously held have been forced to join the ranks,” he added.

On May 23, Maute terrorists laid siege to Marawi City when the military was conducting a manhunt operation against Isnilon Hapilon, leader of Abu Sayyaf group alleged IS emir in Southeast Asia

The Islamist fighters reportedly attacked the wartorn city in an attempt to establish an enclave for IS fighters in the southern Philippines.

A military enforcement was imposed by President Rodrigo Duterte in the entire Mindanao until end of December this year to allow the troops to liberate Marawi and prevent the possible spread of lawless acts to other parts of the country.

As of September 17, the Marawi death toll has reached 869, including 673 extremists, 149 security personnel, and 47 civilians.

Padilla confirmed that two individuals had recently been rescued but refused to spill further details so as not to put in peril the lives of remaining hostages.

He also refused to verify the information relayed by Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jesus Dureza that Father Teresito “Chito” Suganob was among the hostages rescued.

The military spokesman merely said that Dureza’s remark about Suganob’s rescue was “unofficial and for confirmation.”

Padilla said the state forces’ goal to retake Marawi was becoming “doubly difficult” because “the enemies are already very close at hand.”

“In fact, the street-to-street fighting is ongoing as of this moment, and our forces are focused and determined to push the envelope so that soon, we can say that Marawi is totally liberated,” he said.

Amid the lengthy armed conflict, Padilla cited “unofficial and raw” information that some of the terrorists reportedly sent feelers, following the military’s efforts to convince them to yield.

Padilla gave assurance that any Maute rebels who would surrender to propert authorities would be “treated well.”

“Remember, your armed forces in the area operating right now and all our members in the entire archipelago are steep in human rights and international humanitarian laws,” he said.

“We know the rules of engagement. We know the rules of war. And if there’s a white flag flying out for an individual who wants to surrender, we will respect his right and he will be treated well,” he added. SunStar Philippines