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4 fishermen nabbed after letting Maute group members use their boats


After receiving reports of attempts of the ISIS-inspired Maute group to enter and leave Marawi City through Lake Lanao, government troops and the local government unit continue to impose strict security measures in the area, according to a "24 Oras" report by GMA News' Sandra Aguinaldo.

The troops conducted an operation in Marantao town, Lanao del Sur early Monday morning as they tried to find boat operators who rent out their banca to the terrorists.

Two small boats were held by government troops in Lanao Lake as they attempted to enter Marawi City. There were ten men onboard who were all killed when they engaged in gunfire with the troops.

On Tuesday, at least four men were arrested in Marantao town, Lanao del Sur after they supposedly allowed Maute group members to use their boats to enter the city.

According to the report, residents related that the terrorists were willing to pay as much as P50,000 for the use of the boats, which the poor fishermen accept.

"'Yung Lanao lake, we tried to seal it so that they cannot go out anymore. Nag-reposition sila so we are trying to seal off 'yung possible exit and entry points," said Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

The suspects were arrested for allowing terrorists the use of their boats. the same suspects were also caught using illegal drugs.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines or AFP reported that several sachets of suspected shabu and firearms were recovered from the suspects.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law after the terrorists attacked Marawi City on May 23.

As of August 28, a total of 133 soldiers and police have been killed in the firefight while 614 were killed on the enemy side.

A total of 45 civilians have also perished while 1,728 have been rescued. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BAP, GMA News

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