All roads in Marawi battle zone now cleared, passable — AFP

The primary roads in the main battle area of war-torn Marawi City have been cleared, the military announced on Friday.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines has already cleared 100% of roads in the main battle area of Marawi as recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation efforts continue,” AFP public affairs Chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

This means that the primary roads and bridges in the so-called battle zone are now passable, as those have already been cleared of unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices. But the dump sites for the unexploded bombs have yet to be identified.

Clearing operations continued in Marawi City even after the combat operations were officially terminated by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana last October 24.

More than 500 military engineers are deployed in Marawi City to support the rehabilitation efforts led by Task Force Bangon Marawi.

They are also expected to assist in the restoration of water and electricity for selected government centers and places of worships. /kga