3 soldiers, 5 Maute members killed in clash on eve of Eid'l Adha

Three soldiers and five  Maute fighters were killed in one of the bloodiest clashes between government troops and the ISIS-inspired terror group in Marawi City on the eve of Eid'l Adha, a military spokesperson said Friday.

Armed Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla Jr. added that 52 soldiers and an undetermined number on the side of the Maute group were wounded.

"The clashes  yesterday (Thursday) have proven to be one of the bloodiest.  There were three killed and 52 wounded (on the government side)," said Friday.

"Kahapon buong araw, (ito ang) pinakamabigat at madugong araw sa mga bakbakan nitong mga nakaraang linggo," he added.

He said most of the injuries were sustained from the improvised explosive device.

Padilla said the government's offensive has been continuous against the terror group.

"'Yung offensive natin ay patuloy at ito ang nagiging dahilan ng mga nangyayaring ito," he said.

He said they are working to clear the remaining areas where the enemy is holding out.

As of August 31, a total of 136 soldiers have been killed in action in Marawi. On the other hand, a total of 620 Maute-ISIS fighters have been killed.

Padilla also said that government troops stopped operations early Friday morning in observance of Eid'l Adha.

"Early this morning prior to the moment for prayers, we momentarily silenced our guns and ceased operations to show respect for today's observance of Eid'l Adha. The silence was observed for the entirety of the time for prayers," he said.

He said following the short pause, "the operations will continue without any let up." — RSJ/KVD, GMA News