ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Five members of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute group were killed in a clash early Tuesday in Marawi City, a top military official said.
Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, Joint Task Force Marawi commander, said the firefight happened at around 1:19 a.m. in the main battle area of Marawi City.
The military refers the main battle area as the place where the Maute group members are holed up in the besieged city of Marawi.
Bautista said the firefight broke out as government troops advanced into the main battle area.
He said the firefight lasted for about 30 minutes that resulted in the death of five Maute group members. There was no casualty on the government side.
He said the troops were only able to retrieve two remains of the slain Maute group members “because of dangerous circumstances.”
He said the troops have recovered two high-powered firearms and a night vision goggle.
“The troops’ fighting spirit is further boosted because of the recent strong motivation and encouragement of the Commander-in-Chief. The President’s recent presence in the main battle area has left a mark on our troops in their strong desire to end the crisis in Marawi,” Bautista said.
President Rodrigo Duterte visited the troops on Monday afternoon to get a first hand update on the ongoing fighting in Marawi City. (PNA)
