Utility worker hurt as more stray bullets hit Lanao del Sur capitol

One person was wounded after he was hit by a stray bullet inside the compound of the provincial capitol of Lanao del Sur in Marawi City, according to a report by GMA News' Jun Veneracion on 24 Oras on Thursday.

A CCTV footage shows the man, a utility worker, was just standing in front of the building when he was hit on his left leg. A companion brought him to a nearby room where he was given first aid treatment, after which he was brought to a hospital.

A woman was seen running for cover in the CCTV footage.

Since May 23 Marawi City has been the site of fierce clashes between government security forces and members of the ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group.

The report, citing employees, said more stray bullets hit the capitol building on Thursday than on Monday.

Last week, an Australian journalist covering the conflict in Marawi City was hit by a stray bullet on his neck. He survived the incident.

According to the military, the bullets that hit the provincial capitol came from Maute members, as the building is on their "line of sight."

The report said a policeman was also hit by a stray bullet on his pelvis not far from the combat zone.

A vehicle being rented by mediamen covering the conflict was also hit by a stray bullet, the report added.

Ironically, Lanao del Sur's provincial capitol, which houses several evacuees and where the daily media briefings are held, has been declared as a "safe zone" from the conflict. —Margaret Claire Layug/KBK, GMA News