On 100th day of conflict, military allows media to cross bridge into Marawi battle area

On Wednesday, the 100th day of the conflict between government troops and terrorist forces in Marawi City, journalists were allowed to enter and take a closer look at the main battle area.

As seen on Sandra Aguinaldo's report for "Balitanghali," several members of the media accompanied government troops in crossing the Mapandi bridge, which served as a boundary to what the military identified as the main battle area.

Many structures across the bridge were heavily damaged, torn down and collapsed.

The military explained that the level of destruction resulted from firepower on both sides.

Day 100 of Marawi siege: members of the media allowed to cross Mapandi bridge now under the control of govt troops @gmanews pic.twitter.com/xSFz1hHktI

— sandra aguinaldo (@sandraguinaldo) August 30, 2017

Although the government declared that the area was under control, armed soldiers and tanks were the first to enter as a precaution.

Authorities also hung a long blue cloth along the bridge to prevent snipers from targeting the soldiers and civilians present.

The journalists visited the site in Barangay Lilod Madaya, where 13 Marines were killed after they were cornered by terrorists.

The fighting on the front lines, which were at least 150 to 200 meters away, could be heard by the media during their visit. They also witnessed ambulances carrying wounded soldiers back to the safe zone.

The military said the Maute group maintains strongholds in a few nearby buildings and at least three more mosques, where they were reportedly keeping hostages.

The armed conflict that started on May 23 prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law on the entire island of Mindanao. — Margaret Claire Layug/BM, GMA News