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| Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) |
By Jaime Laude
MANILA, Philippines - Remnants of the Maute terror group still holding out in Marawi City are struggling to survive since they are now running out of food and ammunition, a senior military commander said yesterday.
Col. Romeo Brawner, deputy commander of Task Group Ranao, said there are indications that after more than three months, the fighting in the city will end soon.
“There are lots of indicators showing that they are now running out of ammunition and food as shown by their much-weakened resistance in most areas where they are currently confined. Hopefully in the next few weeks this siege will be over,” said Brawner.
The civilian hostages being used as human shields by the terrorists have prevented the military from delivering the final blow to the Maute members to end the conflict.
“While our assault is ongoing, we are making sure that we will spare the lives of the hostages,” Brawner said.
While the ground assaults are carefully being sustained, there are efforts to make sure that not a single terrorist – including overall leader Isnilon Hapilon – could slip out of the military cordon around the main battle area.
Local officials of towns around Lanao Lake are assisting government troops to prevent the remaining terrorists from escaping.
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