Video of Marawi City in ruins after months of siege, clashes

Video footage has captured the extent of the heavy damage caused by the almost five months of clashes between government troops and the ISIS-inspired Maute group in Marawi City.

Buildings, commercial establishments and vehicles were destroyed due to the firefights that lasted for 148 days.

According to a report by Emil Sumangil on 24 Oras,  the local terrorists targeted the Central Business District Area of the city, which for a long time enjoyed active trade and exhibited its rich culture.

"Diyan po 'yung sinasabi nating meeting place ng mga matatanda, mga bata. Diyan nabi-build 'yung sinasabi nating plano, ideas para sa ikakabuti ng Marawi City," Assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong said.

Troops during the clashes spared the Bato Mosque as a sign of respect to the Islam religion and to protect the hostages held inside it.

The Land Bank branch, which was robbed by the Maute group, was also severely affected by the clashes.

Barangay Raya Madaya, where residents could purchase Maranao Collectible Artifacts, was not saved from the firefight too.

An area in Barangay Datu sa Dansalan called "Lumber" was also destroyed. Authorities claimed that drug trade was prevalent in the area.

The "I Love Marawi" sign near Lake Lanao is still standing and a military tank is on standby as the remaining Maute group members could pass through the lake to escape.

Military operations are ongoing for the remaining local terrorists.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday announced that Marawi City is finally liberated from the Maute group, a day after top terror leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute were killed.

The provincial government said the electric and water supply have returned in the area.

"Gusto natin ipa-intindi sa mga tao, the government is our partner. They will rebuild Marawi City and they've been working with us since day one," Adiong said. "Kung sino po ang dapat nating sisihin dito, ang mga teroristang grupo."

Next week, clearing operations in the streets of the war-torn city will start, however, displaced residents are not yet allowed to return to the area. —Anna Felicia Bajo/NB, GMA News