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Over 10 terrorists are still in Marawi, AFP spokesman says


There are still more or less 10 local pro-ISIS terrorists holed up in Marawi City, as government forces continued its mopping up operation to totally rid the city of radicalized forces this Sunday.

In an interview on radio dzBB, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Major General Restituto Padilla also said that there are still at least two foreign terrorists in the city.

"Si [Amin] Bacu po ang hinahanap natin pero hindi na ito factor dahil wala na silang impluwensiya sa kabuuan ng mga nangyayari diyan, cornered na po kasi sila. So, si Bacu po ang isa doon at sa impormasyong aming nakuha, mga dalawa pang dayuhang terorista ang naiiwan doon sa kabuuang grupo," Padilla said.

"Yung local terrorist po hindi natin makuha ang angkop na bilang dahil kada nare-rescue natin na mga hostages nagkakaiba iba ang bilang na nabibigay ... ang kanilang estimate ay nasa 10 pa o mahigit." 

Meanwhile, more or less 10 hostages are also still with the terror forces, he said.

Western Mindanao Command Lieutenant General Ernesto Galvez Jr. earlier said that Marawi City could be totally free from Maute terrorists this Sunday (October 22).

Padilla assured the people that government troops are trying to beat the self-imposed deadline as they clear up at least five buildings.

"Sinisikap natin talagang matapos na ... at sa aming nakuhang ulat galing sa ating mga kasamahan sa main battle area, mga limang gusali pa ang pinagtutunan ng pansin," he said.

"Pasesyahan niyo lang po at kinakailangan nating suyurin pa ng mabuti itong mga natitirang lugar na 'to dahil nga sa nabanggit nga nating naiiwang pang kalaban gayundin ang mga hostages na sinisikap pa rin nating masagip," he added. 

On October 17, President Rodrigo Duterte declared that Marawi City was free from terrorists after some five months of firefighting.

As of October 19, a total of 897 enemies, 47 civilians, and 164 government troops were killed in the firefight that started on May 23. A total of 1,777 civilians have also been rescued while 850 firearms have been recovered.  —LBG, GMA News

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