More dead terrorists recovered near where Hapilon, Maute were killed

The Philippine National Police's Scene of Crime Operations (SOCO) officers on Tuesday worked to identify several bodies recovered near the area where Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and Maute leader Omar Maute were killed in Marawi City.

According to Raffy Tima's report for Balitanghali, a source said the remains of a mother and her child were found among the corpses of eliminated Maute terrorists.

The military are zeroing in on at least 20 more Maute-ISIS militants and eight foreign terrorists the remaining few hectares still occupying the main battle area as of the report.

"'Yung kanilang attitude is not like before. Hindi na sila ganoon ka-aggressive and we are very optimistic that, very soon, we will get all of them," said  Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Eduardo Año.

Troops are sweeping the area to recover at least P1 billion worth of money believed to be stolen by the group from the city's banks and homes.

"Ang pinaplano kasi nila, kanya-kanyang tago at baon sila eh. Para kung sakaling matapos 'yung siege, makatakas sila, puwede nilang balikan. I believe andito pa 'yan," Año said.

The military is also clearing the area of any remaining explosives and traps scattered in the area.

The AFP estimates the terrorists are still holding on to at least 20 hostages and 39 of their family members. A total of 1,771 civilian captives have been rescued since the battle started in May 23.

The AFP expects the battle to come to an end before the Philippines hosts the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Manila from November 10 to 14.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said a full assessment is underway to indicate whether martial law declared over the entire Mindanao by President Rodrigo Duterte is to be lifted.

"We are going to assess the situation in Mindanao and we will make our recommendation to the president in due time," he said.

The East Mindanao Command of the AFP raised the alert level following the deaths of Hapilon and Maute to prevent possible reprisal from Maute-ISIS sympathetic groups. — Margaret Claire Layug/BM, GMA News