5 Maute members killed in clash
ZAMBOANGA - Five members of the Daesh-inspired Maute group were killed in a clash in Marawi City on Tuesday, September 12, a top military official announced.
Brigadier General Rolando Joselito Bautista, Joint Task Force Marawi commander, said the firefight happened around 1:19 a.m., Tuesday, in the main battle area of Marawi City.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) refers the main battle area as the place where the Maute group members are holed up in the besieged city of Marawi.
Bautista said the firefight broke out as the troops advanced into the main battle area.
Bautista said the firefight broke out as the troops from the Marines Special Operations Group (Marsog) advanced into the main battle area.
He said the fire fight lasted for about 30 minutes that resulted to the death of five Maute group members. There was no casualty on the government troops.
He said the troops only managed to retrieve two remains of the slain Maute group members “because of dangerous circumstances.”
He said the troops have recovered two high-powered firearms and a night vision goggle.
“The troops’ fighting spirit is further boosted because of the recent strong motivation and encouragement of the Commander-in-Chief. The President’s recent presence in the main battle area has left a mark in our troops in their strong desire to end the crisis in Marawi,” Bautista said.