Soldiers in Marawi City face the constant danger of being injured or killed due to the proliferation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in buildings that were abandoned by fleeing Maute terrorists.
Western Mindanao Command Chief Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez says, seven government troopers became the latest blast victims.
The soldiers sustained injuries as they were conducting clearing operations the other day.
Galvez reports, the military has recovered more than 1,200 IEDs in establishments once occupied by Maute members.
He adds, aside from the huge danger posed by IEDs, government combatants are also moving into Maute strongholds with so much caution so that the lives of hostages may be spared.
He says, military operations against the Maute terrorists are relentless up to this day.