4 Maute militants killed

Government forces killed four more Maute terrorists as fighting continued in Marawi, yesterday.

“As of Thursday night, the number of terrorists killed in the fighting has increased to 653,” Col. Edgard Arevalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman, said.

Arevalo said soldiers also recovered nine firearms from the slain terrorists and buildings that have been cleared.

He said the number of soldiers killed remained at 145 as the conflict entered its 110th day yesterday.

As this developed, the military ordered the rerouting of traffic around the Mindanao State University (MSU) to ensure the safety of those coming to the university.

MSU’s main gate was closed and home visitation at the university compound was suspended as additional security measures.

Authorities beefed up security after Civil Service Commission assistant regional director Marvin Ablando was killed and director Sandra Uzman was wounded after they were hit by stray bullets on Thursday.

Initial investigation showed the incident occurred when two military planes took off near the area.

Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, said Maute militants fire at military helicopters that fly by the area.