Marawi City still unsafe for civilians

Marawi City's local government and the military reminded the public to remain outside the city as the gunfight between government forces and the Maute group reaches its first week.

In a report by GMA News' Cedric Castillo on "24 Oras," Provincial Crisis Management Committee Spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong discouraged residents from returning as the city.

"Although there are safe zones that are already declared by our Armed Forces of the Philippines, still it is not conducive to habitation. We still do not encourage our residents to come back to their houses," Adiong explained.

First Infantry Division Spokesperson Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera said those who decide to stay or those in evacuation centers feel unsafe and are in dire need of supplies.

"There's a sense of fear, sense of confusion, and of course hunger. There is also a pressing issue about the lack of food, the lack of water, and of course, the most important is the protection," Herrera said.

There is a low supply of essentials such as food in Marawi City due to strict border security as the Maute group continues to control a main entryway to the city proper.

A similar situation can be found in evacuation centers as mothers find it difficult to produce milk for their children since they could not get enough nutrition. — Rie Takumi/BAP, GMA News