179 trapped civilians rescued in Marawi temporary truce

Some of the rescued individuals in Marawi City on Sunday. (Photo: Mic Gandamra Taib/Facebook)

MANILA — Sunday’s four hour humanitarian ceasefire in Marawi City, where military units have been battling Maute Group terrorists for the past two weeks, has resulted in the rescue of 179 trapped residents, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

Padilla added that two persons were injured when fighting occurred during the temporary lull.

“There were skirmishes that occurred during the Humanitarian Pause this morning. Third party facilitators helped orchestrate and manage the humanitarian ceasefire. Around 179 trapped civilians were rescued today. Two persons hurt during the skirmishes while the HP was ongoing,” he added.

The humanitarian ceasefire started 8 a.m. and terminated 12 noon.

As of this posting, some 120 Maute Group members and 38 security forces were killed in the ongoing clashes in Marawi while 19 civilians were reportedly executed by the terrorists.