Gov't troops now using cannons vs. Maute in Marawi

Aside from staging air strikes and having troops ion the ground, the military is now using cannons in battling the Maute group in Marawi City.

According to a report by Jun Veneracion on Unang Balita on Wednesday, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman B/Gen. Restituto Padilla said they had to use cannons to put an end to the fight against Maute which has been ongoing for more than a week now.

Cannons are usually used in military operations in mountains and forests, but in this case are now being used in the urban city of Marawi.

The fight against ISIS-inspired Maute is a challenge to the AFP's capability to respond to such a security problem.

The terrorist group has snipers positioned in the city.

On Tuesday, the AFP told Maute to surrender while there is still time.

Clashes between government troops and the Maute group began on May 23 after the latter staged attacks in the city in response to the military's operation to go after Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon who was reported to be in Marawi.

READ: A timeline of the Maute group's attack on Marawi City

President Rodrigo Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law on the same day.

More than 100,000 people have been displaced  as of Tuesday, while the death toll has reached 104. 

Military operations are currently focused on clearing the 20 percent of Marawi City still under the control of the Maute group. —KG, GMA News