Neutralized Maute Group terrorists now at 303 – AFP

Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla. (PCOO photo)

MANILA — Government forces in Marawi City has so far neutralized 303 Maute Group terrorists as the campaign against the lawless elements is now on sixth week.

Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, said these figures are as of 6 p.m. of June 29.

And based on the same, the bandits killed 44 civilians and 82 government troopers.

Government troops seized 382 weapons and rescued 1,713 civilians from Maute captivity.

As this develops, Padilla reiterated that the government policy not to negotiate with terrorists remains.

“Hence, any demands made inside Marawi hold no basis. Let us continue to remind the public that the gravity of the offense of all these terrorists and their supporters is immense and they must all be held accountable for all their actions,” the military official added.

Conflict in Marawi City started when government security forces attempted to arrest Abu Sayyaf Group leader Isnilon Hapilon, the ISIS “Emir” in Southeast Asia, last May 23.

Padilla also urged all Mindanao residents and the rest of the country to be wary and on the lookout for planned attacks of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on people-oriented programs and infrastructure projects.

“We also appeal to everyone to share information with authorities on suspicious persons and activities in their communities,” he added.