Hostages rescued by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recount that Maute terrorists had forced them to loot and steal from the abandoned establishments and homes in Marawi City.
This was revealed by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella during a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday.
Abellla said rescued hostages narrated that they would be ordered to take items from homes and stores from 7 to 11 in the morning.
Then, they were instructed to resume hauling things at noon until 3 pm.
The hostages estimated the amount of cash stolen must have reached about P 500 million.
Abella said the hostages were escorted by the Maute group and local bandits.
As of now, the AFP has rescued a total of 1,717 hostages.
39 civilians have been killed in the fighting between government forces and the terrorists.
Fatalities on the side of government stands at 84 or an increase of one from the day before.
337 Maute members and supporters have been killed.
Over 400 high-powered firearms have been recovered by soldiers and policemen.
