Soldiers take full control of Butig from Maute terror group

Soldiers evacuated their wounded companions as fighting between government troops and members of a terror group erupted in Butig town in Lanao del Sur province. —RICHEL UMEL/FILE INQUIRER PHOTO

Soldiers have fully taken control of Butig, Lanao del Sur, which was seized by members of the Maute group since last week, the military said Thursday.

“The center of Butig has been 100 percent cleared by our troops. The main areas, the built-up areas of Butig municipality, is now clear,” Armed Forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo.

Government troops are preparing to turn over the town to the local government so the residents can start going back to their homes.

“Military operations will continue in nearby areas where clearing operations are needed so the rebels won’t be able to return,” Padilla said.

The spokesperson also assured that there are security measures in place in order to secure the safety of the residents.

Military estimates said that 61 members of the Maute group were killed, while 12 were injured. On the government side, wounded soldiers remained at 35.

The Maute group, which has pledged loyalty to the Islamic State, previously took control of Butig town since last week, prompting the military to launch its operations. JE

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