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Authorities have arrested a 16-year-old recruit of the Maute group in Marawi City.
A report by Chino Gaston on Balitanghali said the teenage Maute member was recruited by the ISIS-linked group in 2009.
The boy used to deliver bullets and supplies to the group.
The boy claimed that Isnilon Hapilon, the reported emir of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia, even gave him his own firearm.
In an interview with Gaston, the boy claimed that the Maute group has allowed at least 96 young recruits like him to leave Marawi City for them to be able to continue the group's fight in the future.
Watch video courtesy of GMA News TV:
Watch video courtesy of GMA News TV:
"May nakikita ako na mga Christian na nagbabakwit. Sabi ko 'Wag na kayong magsalita, ako lang magsasalita para makalabas na kayo dito sa Marawi," the boy claimed.
"Sinusundan nila ako. Sinabi ko [sa mga kasama ko], 'Padaanin n'yo sila, mga kamag-anak ko sila,'" he added.
He directed the rescued civilians to recite "Allahu Akbar" (Arabic for 'Allah is greater') so that his comrades will not suspect them as Christians.
"Sabi ng mga kasama ko, 'Pagsalitaan mo sila, anong diyos nila.' Sabi ko, 'Alam nila ang diyos nila,'" he said.
"Sabi ko sa kanila, 'Susundin niyo ako, kapag sinabi kong Allahu Akbar, susundin niyo,'" he added.
GRABE TALAGA ANG MGA PINAGGAGAWA NG MGA ITO PATI MGA MENOR DE EDAD TINURUAN NILA KUNG PANO LUMABAN. WALA SILANG PAKIALAM KAHIT NA MAY MAMATAY DAHIL SA IPINAGLALABAN NILA.
The ongoing conflict between government troops and the Maute group has reached its 48th day on Sunday.
The conflict started with the Maute group's attack on the city last May 23, which prompted President Duterte's declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
More than 400 people, mostly militants, have been killed in the conflict.
Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, spokesperson of Task Forces Marawi, said on Saturday that government forces are only fighting more or less 80 Maute group members, who are still being led by Abdullah Maute.
Herrera added that the remaining Maute members are staying in area within the city's business district, with at least 800 buildings.
He said some Maute snipers are still hiding in high-rise buildings, which are not the target of the military air strikes.
DAPAT PATI YUG PINAGTATAGUAN NG MGA SNIPER NG MAUTE AY PASABUGIN DIN. AT SANA MATAPOS NA ANG BAKBAKAN NA ITO SA LALONG MADALING PANAHON.
Credits to: GMA
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