The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is not giving any timeframe on when fighting in Marawi City will end.
In a press briefing on Saturday, Western Mindanao Command Chief Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez Jr. said, “the situation is very fluid.”
“Mahirap sabihin kung kailan matatapos (it is difficult to say when this will end),” Galvez added.
Some military officials had previously estimated that the situation in Marawi City could return to normal in about three days.
Galvez has also advised residents to keep away from the areas of conflict.
At least four houses were damaged in the military air strikes.
Galvez also reported that a marine brigade is now stationed at the Mindanao State University located in the city.
The military commander has also asked other armed groups like the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) not to interfere in the combat operations against the Maute group.
“I am appealing to the MILF and the MNLF to stay away,” he said.
AFP Chief of Staff Eduardo Año has said, some areas in Marawi City are not yet cleared from the presence of Maute group.
He noted the military operations in an urban center like Marawi is complicated because they are prioritizing the safety of the civilians.