6 Marawi cops missing amid clashes with Maute group

At least six policemen have yet to be accounted for amid the ongoing firefight between government forces and local terror group Maute in Marawi City, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Dir. Gen. Ronald dela Rosa.

"Mayroon tayong mga missing-in-action na hindi pa na-account na anim dahil nga itong mga local police ng Marawi hindi pa makontak," Dela Rosa said in a radio interview late Tuesday afternoon.

"'Yung mga nasa loob ng downtown area kung saan 'yung kasagsagan n'ung labanan, so hindi pa natin malaman kung ano ang sitwasyon nila. Sana maganda ang progress ng ating clearing operation," he added.

He said three police personnel have been killed while three have been wounded in the firefight. Two of those killed were identified as Senior Insp. Freddie Solar and Senior Insp. Edwin Placido.

Government security forces conducted joint operations in Marawi City on May 23 upon learning that Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon was in the area. The Maute members, however, launched attacks to divert the attention of military and police.

The firefight and eventual displacement and killings of residents prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to place the entire Mindanao under martial law for 60 days. —Amita Legaspi/KBK, GMA News