Maute-ISIS bandits use drone in Marawi to evade pursuing soldiers

While soldiers use drones to gather information to chase the terrorists in Marawi, members of the ISIS-inspired Maute group are also using drones to flee the military offensive in the beleaguered city.

A report by GMA News' Jun Veneracion on "24 Oras" showed a video of what sounded like Maute members launching a drone while chanting "Allahu Akbar" before its deployment to the frontline.

Joint Task Force Marawi spokesperson Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera said the military first saw the drones of the Maute group during the first week of clashes in the city.

"During the first two weeks ng ating [skirmishes], mayroon tayong mga nakita na gumagamit din yung kalaban ng drone. Part ito ng surveillance intelligence [ng Maute group]," Herrera said.

Meanwhile, the report said soldiers in the frontline have been complaining of the foul smell of decomposing cadavers belonging to the Maute group.

Stray dogs were also seen carrying human remains for food.

Clearing operations in Marawi City are still ongoing with several Maute members hiding in fortified basements.

The report said troops are now using tear gas to extricate Maute members hiding in civilian houses.

On Sunday, the military said 242 Maute members have been killed since the clashes in Marawi City broke out last May 23.

A total of 243 firearms of the Maute group members have also been recovered by troops. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/NB, GMA News