Death toll of gov’t troops in Marawi now 89 — Palace
In this photo, taken May 30, 2017, government troops prepare to head to the frontline in the fight against Muslim militants in Marawi City. (PHOTO by BULLIT MARQUEZ / AP)
The ongoing clash between the armed forces and Islamist militants in Marawi has claimed the lives of 89 government troops, a Palace official said on Monday.
As of July 9, a total of 128 persons have been recorded killed, with 89 government troops and 39 civilians. Recorded terrorists killed have totalled 379, Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary Ana Maria Banaag said in a press briefing.
A botched military raid to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader and purported Islamic State emir in Southeast Asia Isnilon Hapilon triggered the fighting between government troops and Maute group in Marawi City last May 23.
While the hostilities are still ongoing, efforts to rehabilitate Marawi City are also taking place, with task forces laying the ground for the temporary resettlement area for Marawi evacuees and the restoration of basic public facilities.
“The early recovery stage is going to occur even while the hostilities are ongoing. This will pave the way for the preparation of the ground for the temporary resettlement area,” Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said.
The Joint Task Force Ranao, headed by Brigadier General Ramiro Rey, is leading the search, rescue, and rehabilitation in Marawi while the Bangon Marawi Interagency Task Force is responsible for the preparation of plans for the early recovery and rehabilitation of the city.
The primary focus of the rehabilitation is the restoration of basic services such as electricity, clean water supply, health care facilities, as well as education.
The Department of Education has closely worked with soldier engineers and consultants in the repair and rehabilitation of schools in Iligan City, Padilla said.
The Bangon Marawi Interagency Task Force will convene again this week for the full rehabilitation plans once the clash in Marawi is over. Daphne Yann P. Galvez, INQUIRER.net trainee/JE/rga
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