Civilians killed as Philippines fight rages for control

MARAWI, Philippines — The Philippine military said it has found the bodies of 16 civilians who were gunned down by Muslim militants in the ongoing fight for control of southern Marawi.

Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the dead include a group of four men, three women and a child who were found near a road close to Mindanao State University in Marawi.

Police said eight other men were fatally shot and thrown in a shallow ravine in Marawi’s Emi village.

A paper sign attached to one of the men indicated the victims “betrayed their faith.”

Padilla said 61 militants have been killed together with 11 soldiers and four police since Tuesday, when a failed raid to capture one of Asia’s top militants triggered an attack on the city, which prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in the southern region of Mindanao.

More than 2,200 people are trapped in Marawi, fearing for their lives from threats of Islamist militants and military airstrikes.

Residents have been sending appeals for help via text message, but rescue teams have not been able to penetrate the districts where they are located in Marawi, 497 miles south of Manila.

“The number is still continuing to rise,” said provincial spokesman Zia Alonto Adiong.

“They are asking for help to extract them or send relief goods. Some of them fear for their lives and properties because of the ongoing military operation.”

Adiong said local officials were seeking clearance from the military to send rescue teams to the trapped residents.