The Philippines' military forces patrol in Marawi. (Photo: EPA/VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Filipinogovernment forces have rescued all hostages held by the pro-Islamic States (IS)militants that took over southern Marawi city for five months, Colonel RomeoBrawner told a press conference on October 22.
“We believe there are no moreremaining hostages,” he said, adding that the number of hostages released was20.
According to Brawner, firefights werestill going on inside the main battle area in Marawi on October 22, butIS-linked Maute militants were occupying only one building there.
He noted that the conflict has so farclaimed the lives of nearly 100 civilians, 165 soldiers and policemen anddisplaced thousands of people since it broke out on May 23.
During the battle, 919 terroristswere killed with a total of 864 firearms recovered from them.
President Rodrigo Duterte declared onOctober 20 that he will not lift the martial law in Mindanao even after thegovernment forces recaptured Marawi. It is needed to crush all terrorist groupsin the region, he said.
The martial law was imposed on theentire Mindanao few hours after the Maute and Abu Sayyaf militants took overMarawi on May 23.-VNA
VNA
