Maute now using hostages to fire back at troops —AFP

The ISIS-inspired Maute group bandits in Marawi City are now using their hostages to fight government security forces as their number continues to dwindle, a military official said on Monday.

In a report by GMA News' Chino Gaston on 24 Oras, AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said they received reports that several hostages had been ordered to shoot soldiers.

"What is more telling right now was the report that civilians who were held hostage or under the control of the Maute-ISIS group are now being used as combatants," Arevalo said.

"They were being tasked to man battle positions. They were being tasked to take up arms and shoot our soldiers," he added.

Arevalo said only around 120 Maute members remain holed up in four barangays in Marawi City following weeks of clashes with government forces.

Around 150 to 200 hostages remain at the hands of the terrorists, according to Arevalo.

Meanwhile, Joint Task Force Marawi spokesperson Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera said there are also reports that the Maute group is killing their members who want to surrender.

Herrera said this shows the downfall of the terrorists who are now losing ammunition and funds to fuel their campaign.

"We have reports that they have executed their own fighters. Yun yung mga, and that is a manifestation of a crumbling, dividing leadership, 'pag sila-sila na ang nagpapatayan," he said.

Herrera added the Maute group is facing leadership problems amid reports that Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon has fled Marawi City.

The military said the Maute members remain in four barangays in the conflict zone.

A total of 70 government security forces and 26 civilians have been killed since the clashes broke out in May 23.

At least 290 terrorists were killed on the side of the Maute group.

Meanwhile, a military source confirmed to GMA News that authorities have arrested a Marantao resident who is allegedly helping injured Maute members escape Marawi City.

The source said the suspect, who rescued five terrorists in the past three days, receives P500,000 for every escaped Maute member. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/NB, GMA News