The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted air strikes throughout Sunday night in Marawi City, targeting the positions of Maute terrorists.
AFP First Infantry Division Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jo-Ar Herrera says, the bombardments zeroed in on the vantage points that Maute members are still occupying in the city’s business district.
Flares were used so that military pilots could identify the target areas.
Herrera estimates, only about 80 Maute terrorists remain in Marawi City but they are scattered in over 800 establishments.
He notes, soldiers are fighting with well-armed Maute snipers.
Herrera adds, Abdullah Maute is still leading the terrorists.
At 11 am on Monday, Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra led the flag-raising ceremony in the city hall ground.
He says, vital functions of the city hall will begin to operate but he is still prohibiting civilians from entering the premises as mortar fire from nearby Maute positions can still hit the complex.
Gandamra led the courageous act of raising the flag in front of the city hall this morning to stress the message that terrorists will never be able take over the city’s seat of government.
