Earlier, Philippine DefenceSecretary Delfin Lorenzana said the armed forces were still looking forMalaysian terrorist Mahmud bin Ahmad, who led and sponsored the siege in Marawicity.
There were about 10-20 militants hiding in Marawi, with eight foreign gunmen.They were keeping 20 hostages, including women and children, he added.
[Philippines declares early liberation of Marawi city]
Since the fighting of Philippine government armed forces against Islamicmilitants in Marawi city last May, 822 militants, 162 government soldiers and47 civilians were killed. More than 1,700 soldiers and police officers wereinjured. About 400,000 people had to leave their home.President Duterte previously extended the martial law in the southern provinceof Mindanao, of which Marawi is a part, to the end of this year to facilitatethe army’s activities against militants.-VNA