(Eagle News) — The death toll in the ongoing clashes in Marawi was pegged at 98 as of Sunday night, with authorities assuring the public that the clashes there were nearing their end.
Reading from a Powerpoint presentation on Monday, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said 18 of those killed were from the government side–15 from the military, and three from the Philippine National Police.
Nineteen civilians, he said, have been killed by local terrorist groups.
Sixty one terrorists have so far been killed–42 of these killings were confirmed through a body count, and 19 by eyewitnesses.
According to Abella, 61 soldiers and 3 policemen have also been wounded in the clashes that began last Tuesday, when authorities began conducting operations against Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon in Marawi.
The situation prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to place Mindanao under martial law.
Under the Constitution, martial law will last for 60 days, unless the period is extended by Congress.
“Although we don’t have a timeline, we’re seeking to end this as soon as possible. Our ground commanders have assured the end is almost there,” Lt. Gen. Restituto Padilla, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson, said.
Padilla also belied reports in social media that the terrorists controlled half of the city.
He said authorities have “complete control.”
“Totally untrue..except for certain areas of the city (the terrorists) continue to hold (which are the) subject of clearing operations,” Padilla said.
He said authorities have posted pictures of known militants or rebels including some foreign combatants in certain areas so they could be identified if they mingled with civilians.
So far, he said he could not give a specific number of terrorists on the ground.
The initial figure of 40 to 50 armed elements, he said, has changed as terrorists have freed over 100 prisoners in jail.
“Quite a number,” he said, “may have joined ranks with them,” adding that there were also “sympathetic elements.”
“If we have been able to rescue 390 residents, these residents have not just been made to go. They have been subjected to some examination of sorts to ensure they are not part of the group waging war here,” Padilla emphasized.
So far, Abella said 12509 families or 59665 people have been displaced in Region 10 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
More than a thousand families, or 1018, are staying in 14 evacuation centers or with their relatives.
Not meant to bypass Supreme Court, legislature
In the press conference, Abella also clarified President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent statements he would only listen to the police and the military with respect to his declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
According to Abella, “the President meant that those who truly are aware of the situation are the military.”
“This is not meant to bypass SC and the legislature. It simply means to say those who have true and accurate reports which he will depend on are the military and the (Philippine National Police),” he said.
“They should be in dialogue. They should have a conversation (so) that they can continue to make decisions,” he added.
