Food supplies running low for civilians remaining in Marawi City

Food and other supplies are beginning to run out in Marawi City due to strict border security as the conflict between government forces and the Maute group reaches its first week.

In a report by GMA News' Cedric Castillo on "24 Oras," a resident named Abdul said he had to ask passers-by to bring him food as nearby establishments were closed and he was the only person left in their area to watch over their abandoned homes.

"Yung budget mo, 'pag maubos, magtawag ka ng magpadala ng pagkain kasi wala kang mabilhan talaga," he explained.

Zia Alonto Adiong, Provincial Crisis Management Committee Spokesperson, said residents in Marawi City can reach the local government through a hotline to arrange evacuations or returns to the city.

"Coordinate with our people manning this area. Especially if they have barangay captains in the area. Meron tayong hotline na tinatawag so they can reach us," Adiong said. "Kung gusto nila na pumunta sa syudad or sa ating mga evacuation centers, that we can also arrange."

Meanwhile, a resident of Marawi City chose to swim across the Agus River to flee the ongoing gunfight in the city as the conflict had almost reached his home.

"Nakadikit na sa granada eh," said the resident. "Ako lang mag-isa sa bahay. Tapos nung nalapit na yung barilan dito, naisip ko na lalangoy na lang ako." — Rie Takumi/BAP, GMA News