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Marawi troops doubly guarding lake area vs. enemy reinforcement


Ground troops battling to free Marawi City from holdover ISIS-influenced Maute members are doubly guarding the Lanao Lake area after reports that enemy reinforcement could get into the embattled city.

As military offensives continue on the 81st day of the battle for Marawi, ground troops braced for possible enemy reinforcement, especially coming from the lake area, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla told dzBB on Saturday morning. 

"Expected naman po talaga na magkaroon ng karagdagang puwersa ang kalaban dahil patuloy po silang nahihirapan sa pagkubkob natin sa mga natitirang area na kanilang pinagkulutaan," Padilla said.

"Ayon sa ground commander natin, may namo-monitor silang mga pagtatangkang pagpasok [ng reinforcement ng kalaban] lalo na sa side ng lawa [Lake Lanao].

"Second hanggang 3rd week ng labanan, nagdagdag na po tayo ng puwersa sa side ng lawa, kasi maluwag ang lugar. Binabantayan natin na may makapasok from the lake at tumulong sa mga natitirang Maute," he added.

Also, he expressed confidence that no enemy could get into the war zone as government troops are in control of the side of the lake bounding Marawi City.

Padilla reiterated that the military has no confirmation yet on rumors that terrorist leader Isnilon Hapilon is already dead.

"Wala pa ring matibay na ebidensya na patay na si Hapilon. Marami kasi ang mga disinformation, kaya tinitiyak natin ang mga impormasyon.

Air and ground assaults on enemy positions have continued as the war to liberate Mawari from the terrorists entered its 81st day on Saturday. —LBG, GMA News

 

 

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