The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) puts at nine (9) the number of persons injured in the ambush in Marawi City against a convoy of the Presidential Security Group (PSG).
This is according to AFP Spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla.
Padilla says, armed men threw a grenade and fired at the PSG team that was heading to the Headquarters of 103rd Infantry Brigade in Marawi City just before 11 am Tuesday.
Padilla says, the armed men who attacked the PSG convoy could be members or supporters of Maute terror group that is battling with the military in Butig, Lanao Del Sur.
He says, the gunmen’s mission could be to stop the arrival of government troops that will augment the forces on the ground.
“Nakapaligid ang supporters [ng Maute group] dyan. Nakaabang sila para maantala ang mga tropa (ng AFP) na magdadala ng ayuda sa mga kasamahan (The area is surrounded by them. They are watching out and they want to delay the movement of government troops that will provide support to the soldiers in battle,” he says.
The PSG team is serving as advance party for President Rodrigo Duterte, who intends to check the military offensive in Butig.
Padilla says, whether or not the President's trip will push through will depend on the recommendation of the PSG.
Wounded in the ambush have been initially identified as Capt. Zamora, Ssg. Damaso, Cpl. Inova, Cpl. De Leon, Sgt. Garcia, Pfc. Gonzalez and Pfc. Panisa and 2 personnel from 65th Infantry Batallion namely Cpl. Galintia and Cpl. Corpuz.
