Troops rescue 20 more hostages in Marawi

Government forces rescued at least 20 more hostages of the Maute group in Marawi City.

A radio dzBB report by Benjie Liwanag quoting Colonel Romeo Brawner, Joint Task Force Marawi deputy commander, said the hostages were rescued by troops during operations since Saturday.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, meanwhile, on Monday confirmed at least 14 hostages were rescued by government troops in Marawi City on Sunday.

"As of this morning, nag-report sa akin ang commander ng Task Force Marawi na kasama ngayon sa Armed Forces na nag-o-operate sa main battle area na may na-rescue kahapon na 14 hostages," Dela Rosa said in a news forum at Kamuning Bakery Cafe.

The military earlier said the Maute group still has at least 40 civilian hostages.

Government troops failed to meet the October 15 deadline to end the Marawi crisis.

Brawner said the remaining Maute group members, which number just around 40, are still using their hostages as human shields against the advancing troops.

The crisis started with the Maute group's attack in the city on May 23.

The military said more than 800 militants and 162 soldiers and policemen have been killed.

The civilian death toll, meanwhile, was still at 47. —With a report by Amita Legaspi/ALG/KG, GMA News