Maute fighters hiding in tunnels as gov't troops continue 'final push'

The elite unit of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) have come face-to-face with the Maute terrorists in a gunfight in the heart of Marawi City at the time of the recording of the video that was aired in the report of GMA News' Emil Sumangil for "24 Oras" on Thursday.

The government troops were so close that they could hear the Maute members' repeatedly crying "Allahu Akbar" as they opened fire.

A PNP-SAF trooper was seen immediately being rushed to medical attention in the midst of the gunfire.

The military said the remaining members of the militant group have opted to hide in underground tunnels.

Moreover, the government had yet to retake six hectares of the main battle area, wherein terrorists have planted improvised explosive devices.

Joint Task Force Marawi said 155 government troops have died in the battle with ISIS-inspired militants since it started on May 23, six of which are members of the PNP-SAF.

"Mas precise na po 'yung targetting natin. Mas maingat tayo sa pag-assault natin," said Col. Romeo Brawner, Joint Task Force Ranao spokesperson.

"So aside from the fact na marami na kasing mga IEDs na nakalatag, 'yung mga kalaban natin ay nakahukay rin at nasa mga tunnels nila," he added.

At least 17 hostages of the ISIS-inspired Maute group were rescued and are now under government custody.

"Gusto po naming manawagan sa mga pamilya nung mga na-hostage dito sa Marawi City na huwag silang mag-alala. Hindi po namin puwedeng i-reveal pa iyung mga pangalan nila but please be assured na 'yung ating gobyerno ay talagang inaalagaan natin itong mga bihag," Brawner said.

Meanwhile, 40 bodies were recovered from the main battle area and laid to rest on Thursday.

According to the report, five of these corpses were identified as members of the Maute group. — Margaret Claire Layug/BAP, GMA News