5 policemen, 5 civilians rescued in Marawi

Soldiers battling Islamist terrorists in Marawi City go fetch water as fighting continues. BARRY OHAYLAN

Five policemen and five civilians who were trapped in the stronghold of the Maute Group were rescued by combined security forces in Marawi City on Tuesday, the military said.

The rescued were immediately given food and medical attention, said Joint Task Force Marawi commander May. Gen. Rolando Bautista.

No other details were given about the rescue.

Armed Forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla told Radyo Inquirer that 202 militants and 26 civilians have been killed in the ongoing conflict that enters its fourth week tomorrow, Wednesday. A total of 58 have been killed on the government side.

Authorities said 1,618 civilians have been rescued so far. Frances Mangosing / CBB/rga