Gov't troops regain control of Marawi City police station

Government forces have already regained control of the police station in Marawi City, GMA News' Sandra Aguinaldo reported on "24 Oras," Wednesday.

The report aired a video given to radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag that showed buildings were burned and destroyed as a result of the ongoing battle between soldiers and local terrorists in the city.

The mission to regain control of the police station is dangerous. The station is located in the main battle area in the besieged city.

The members of the operation to regain the police station is composed of the Task Group Musang of Scout Rangers, 51st infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, and Joint Task Group composed of the Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police.

Meanwhile, officials found human remains that are believed to be of Senior Insp. Edwin Placido, the Marawi police deputy chief, inside the station. Placido had defended the station against members of the ISIS-inspired Maute group.

The military remains mum on the buildings that they were able to take back from the terrorist group. But officials said there are several important buildings under their control, including some mosques.

"We have taken over strategic locations within the main battle area. In fact 'yung mga locations po na ito ay areas where we can launch further assault into the area," said Col. Romeo Brawner, deputy commander of Joint Task Group Ranao.

The Marawi crisis started on May 23 following an attack by the Maute group, which prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to place the entire Mindanao under martial law.

Based on the latest data from the military, a total of 129 soldiers have been killed in the ongoing conflict.

The number of slain Maute group members, meanwhile, has increased to 583 while the civilian death toll remains at 45. — BAP, GMA News