MANILA -- Surrender feelers from the remaining Maute group terrorists are a clear indication that the lawless elements are steadily losing their strength and will to fight, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.
This shows that the terrorists are seeing the hopelessness of their situation and the growing military might of the government, said AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Edgard Arevalo.
"We have received word of (planned) surrenders and surrender feelers from the Maute Group. This is an indication that their forces are getting weaker and will (soon) lack the means to resist military forces (engaged in clearing operations)," he said in Filipino last Monday.
Arevalo said these surrender feelers might have been influenced by the series of capture of Maute Group redoubts in Marawi City.
As of this posting, Maute-held areas in Marawi City are confined to eight to nine hectares with an estimated 50 bandits manning the defenses.
The number of hostages remains at 43, while 749 Maute terrorists have been slain in the ongoing operations. Government losses stand at 155 soldiers and police officers, and seized weapons at 795. (PNA)
