CASUALTIES MOUNT ON 6TH DAY IN MARAWI

We're still trying to determine how to bring in supplies and rescue trapped civilians in uncleared areas. MAJUL USMAN GANDAMRA

Army official says they are more focused on rescuing civilians trapped in areas not yet cleared by government troops Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra awaits gosignal from military to deliver supplies to trapped civilians

At least a hundred people have been killed as of yesterday in the firefight between government troops and members of the Maute group in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, a military official said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of the Public Affairs Office (PAO) Colonel Edgar Arevalo said 61 were rebels, 20 were from the government side, and 19 were civilians, including a child.

However, Arevalo said they are more focused on rescuing the civilians trapped in areas not yet cleared by government troops, rather than on recovering the remains of casualties.

On May 23, joint military operations were conducted in Marawi City reportedly due to the presence of Maute's top leader Isnilon Hapilon.

The operation, however, resulted in a gun fight between government troops and the bandits.

Since the beginning of the crisis in the city, the military have rescued and assisted over 124 civilians trapped in their residences.

The AFP earlier said that it would continue conducting airstrikes to "finish" the rebel forces, who already occupied several establishments in the area, with snipers in position, making it harder for troops to penetrate.

Marawi City Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra said government troops have yet to give rescuers and relief operators clearance to bring supplies to trapped civilians due to the ongoing situation.

“We're still trying to determine how to bring in supplies and rescue trapped civilians in uncleared areas,” he said in Tagalog.

“Medyo hindi po maganda ang aming kalagayan ngayon dahil sa nangyaring (Our situation is not good because of the) tension between government troops and these so-called ISIS-inspired group or Maute group,” Gandamra added.

Gandamra urged trapped residents to escape when they can.