The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is now pursuing about 30 to 40 members of the Maute Group in Marawi City.
This information came from AFP First Infantry Division Spokesperson Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera who conducted a press briefing at noon of Thursday.
Herrera reported the local terrorists are “scattered and on the move” in the city.
“13 Maute militants have been killed,” he said.
Yesterday, the AFP had estimated the number of local terrorists in Marawi City at about 100.
Local sources had put the figure from at least 200 to 300.
“There are desperate moves na ginagawa nila ngayon (the Maute group are staging desperate moves),” Herrera further stated.
“Na-clear na natin ang isang ospital. Operational na sya. May doctors and nurses na doon (We have cleared one hospital from the presence of Maute group. It is now operational. Doctors and nurses are there now.),” Herrera told reporters.
He identified three barangays to be areas where terrorists are still being closely watched.
These are barangays Gadungan, Masak Malulut and Bangon.
Government troops are conducting “surgical operations” in these communities.
In military terms, a surgical strike is meant to inflict damage only on specific targets and is meant to avoid collateral damage.