Soldiers of the Philippines (Source: www.bbc.com)
Meanwhile, the armed forces are still looking for the Malaysian
terrorist Mahmud bin Ahmad, who led and sponsored the siege in Marawi city,
said Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on the same day.
According to Lorenzana, after the fighting ends, the Philippine
Government will focus on rebuilding Marawi city. He also warned that all major
cities in Mindanao region could be militants’ target, therefore all government
security forces will stay vigilant to prevent their attacks.
Earlier, two remaining leaders of the Islamic militants in
southern Philippines were killed. They were Isnilon Hapilon, who is listed as
one of the world's most dangerous terrorists, and Omarkhayam Maute.
Since the attack of gunmen who pledged allegiance to the
self-claimed Islamic State (IS) in Marawi city last May, 822 militants, 162
government soldiers and 47 civilians were killed. More than 1,700 soldiers and
police officers were injured.
Philippine authorities said there are about 30 gunmen remaining in
a small residential area near Lanao lake, including 10 foreign ones, mainly
from Malaysia and Indonesia.
President Duterte previously extended the martial law in the
southern province of Mindanao, of which Marawi is a part, to the end of this
year to facilitate the army’s activities against militants.
Source: VNA
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