Houses set on fire after airstrikes in Marawi City

Some houses were set on fire in Marawi City following airstrikes during clashes between the military and members of the Maute group.

GMA News stringer Richel Umel, in a Balita Pilipinas report, said, "Kanina nasaksihan natin may dalawang area sa umaga... 'yung nasunog, part ng Marawi City at kaninang hapon sa airstrike at bakbakan, nasunog 'yung ilang mga bahay sa Barangay Batac sa Marawi City."

Umel said that he and other journalists had been high up in a building and had witnessed the fires started by the airstrikes where the encounters had been.

"Tatlo hanggang apat na barangay ang may sporadic firefight batay sa ating nasaksihan," he said.

Umel also reported that 43 teachers were rescued during a firefight in one of the establishments in Marawi City.

"Kanina nakausap natin 'yung isa sa mga pinuno ng mga teachers mula sa Wao, Lanao na narescue kahapon... Habang nagseseminar sila biglang dumating 'yung tatlong katao na mga armado na naka-mask na alleged ISIS, pumasok sa building at pinaghiwahiwalay ang mga lalaki, babae hanggang sila ay na-rescue," Umel said.

"'Yung iba nagtakbuhan, naka-escape sila ng building hanggang 'yung ibang mga teachers naglakad," he added.

He also said residents continue to flee to Iligan City and other nearby areas.

Umel added that the military is still validating reports on the number of killed and wounded Maute group members. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News