According to news reports, the air attack was then followed by mortar attaacks.
Firefight lasted for almost three long hours, government troops returned to their "staging area" along with their two V-300 fire support vehicles which was unfortunately hit by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG).
"Tinamaan ng RPG, ma'am," one soldier said.
Still, government troops were able to paralyze the local terrorist area.
Another report followed, that as of 5PM, Philippine Air Force striked again in Mapandi, Marawi using their MG-520 helicopters.
The Maute group were able to take control of Mapandi, Marawi until the eighth day of the clashes which prevents a complete access of the goverment troops to the city.
News reports by the media states that eighty five percent (85%) of Marawi City was already taken over and penetrated by the government security forces in their plans to take over and clear all areas dominated by the terrorist group.
Mapandi is the gateway to reach Marawi City proper but the government forces are having difficulty penetrating the the city because they believe that the group holds hostages as humans shields within the entrances and snipers are positioned in strategic vantage points.
Local government of Marawi City warned civilians and locals that the city is still unsafe due to gunfights between the Maute group and the government forces. The public is reminded to remain outside the city.
"Although there are safe zones that are already declared by our Armed Forces of the Philippines, still it is not conducive to habitation. We still do not encourage our residents to come back to their houses," Provincial Crisis Management Committee Spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong explained.
Source: GMA
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