Sunday, June 11, 2017

Clashes continue amid Independence Day celebrations in Marawi

Sounds of explosions and gunfire were heard as government troops continue the operations against the Maute group in Marawi City while Philippine flags were being raised at the provincial capitol and city hall grounds on Monday.




In his report, radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag said airstrikes and ground assaults of the military continued amid the Independence Day celebrations in the city.


Local officials and employees joined several soldiers in the first flag-raising ceremonies held at the city hall and the provincial capitol, marking the 119th Independence Day celebrations in the city.


The report said military and police teams were clearing an area near the city hall.
In a post on Twitter, GMA News' Cedric Castillo said bomb explosions were heard as the Philippine National Anthem started playing while the Philippine flag was being raised at the provincial capitol compound.



On Friday last week, 13 Marines were killed and 40 more were hurt in a 16-hour clash against members of the Maute group in Barangay Lilod Madaya, one of the remaining areas infested with the ISIS-inspired militants.

A total of 58 soldiers have been killed in the ongoing conflict, which has entered its third week.

The military said 21 civilians have been killed by the Maute group, which has also lost 138 members.

The conflict started when the Maute group attacked the city on May 23, which prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao.

Source :GMA

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