Some members of media enter main war zone in Marawi

Some members of the media covering the war to liberate Marawi City experienced battle as it unfolded  before their eyes in the main conflict area on Wednesday.

Eight media reporters were allowed to get inside the main battlefield as the war between the government troops and holdover ISIS-Maute forces raged on its 114th day, dzBB's Benjie Liwanag said Thursday.

He said that foxholes,  trenches, tunnels, improvised explosive devices, and war materiel were common sights in an area just a few meters away from fierce clashes.

Citing military sources, Liwanag said that the war for Marawi is difficult, in which troops need to spend three to five days to clear a single building in the main battle area because of the enemy's well-entrenched position.

Also, citing military sources, he said that hostages are being used as human shields and forced to make explosive devices by their captors.

Meanwhile, dzBB's Rod Vega on Thursday quoted Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs chief Colonel Edgard Arevalo as saying that the battle to free Marawi City from the pro-ISIS terrorist Maute group will continue until the end.

Earlier reports indicated that the military is already in its "final push" to end the war that has dragged on for almost four months and has cost the government over P4 billion in resources. —LBG, GMA News