Philippines: 1 soldier dead in raid on Marawi

By Roy Ramos

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – One soldier was killed and 13 others wounded Monday during a military raid in Marawi city where Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon was reportedly holed up.

The fighting targeted a mosque where the alleged emir of Daesh in Southeast Asia was seeking refuge, according to intelligence information as reported by GMA News.

Around 10 foreign fighters are reportedly still fighting with Hapilon in an intense battle amid military bombardment.

The crisis in Marawi, now in its 127th day, erupted May 23 when militant groups launched an attack on the city following a failed attempt by Philippine troops to arrest Hapilon.

It has caused a humanitarian crisis, displacing more than 200,000 residents and killing 894, including 695 militants, 152 government troops and 47 civilians.

Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. said the troops are pushing the battle to the end but operations remained focus on rescuing the roughly 46 remaining hostages.

“It will take days, but we can’t specify if it’s 10 days or maybe two weeks,” Galvez said when asked when the crisis in Marawi would end.

President Rodrigo Duterte has imposed military rule over the entire island of Mindanao which is not set to expire until the year’s end.