Fighting between government forces and Maute militants in Marawi City already cost the lives of 202 people, including civilians, as of June 6, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Wednesday.
A total 138 terrorists have been killed while the government side lost 38 troops in the fighting with 30 civilians getting killed, according to AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padila.
Some civilians were reportedly shot dead by Maute snipers to prevent residents from leaving the city.
The number of civilians rescued is 1,545, Padilla also said.
The military has regained control of parts of Marawi but Maute fighters are still resisting troops in the inner enclaves of the city.
Meanwhile, Padilla appealed to the public, particularly to netizens, to stop circulating videos that may sow hatred among Christians and Muslims
There are videos circulating around regarding certain armed elements destroying a church. We have requested that this be pulled out because it may fan hatred. It may fan hate and it is intended by these militants to induce other Christian elements to fight against these armed elements or to sow hatred among Christians and Muslim,” said Padilla.
The video being referred to shows armed men going on a rampage inside the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Marawi City. The militants, who belong to the Maute group that pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2015, were seen stomping and destroying religious images before setting the church on fire.
“Please do not spread this. Let us not buy in into the plan of these terror groups to inflame the feelings of our other religions. This is not a religious war, this is a terror attack on the city of Marawi and we must be clear about it,” Padilla stressed. (PNA)
photo credit: MindaNews
