Another civilian trapped in Marawi City war rescued —military official

Government troops rescued on Sunday another civilian who was able to swim to safety after being trapped in the Marawi City war for 47 days.

Reporting from Marawi, dzBB's Allan Gatus identified the rescued civilian as Jun Ababo. 

Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, spokesperson for Joint Task Force Marawi, confirmed that soldiers guarding the Agus River emptying into Lanao Lake rescued Ababo, who he said swam the river after finding a chance to come out from hiding.

"Sabi niya, pinagbabaril sila ng mga terorista habang lumalangoy ... nahiwalay siya sa kanyang mga kasama," Herrera said of Ababo's escape.

Also, Herrera said that soldiers are being deployed at the Agus River banks to rescue trapped civilians who used the river as escape route.

"Ilang mga magkasunod na araw may mga nailigtas tayo doon. Nakabantay talaga ang mga sundalo sa lugar," Herrera added.

Ababo will be scheduled for debriefing, Herrera said, hoping that his escape could help in followup rescue operations for trapped civilians. —LBG, GMA News