Search for remaining Maute hostages now ongoing: AFP

FILE: Armed Forces of the Philippines  spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said. (PCOO photo)

MANILA — With the retaking of various Maute group-controlled areas in Marawi City, the military is now determining the areas where the terrorists are holding their remaining hostages.

“So we’re still seeking to locate the probable areas where hostages are being held and we are still looking forward to rescuing these hostages,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in an interview with CNN Philippines Monday.

An estimated 30 hostages is still believed to be in the hands of the Maute Group terrorists.

Padilla made this statement as the AFP made significant territorial gains last week with the recapture of the Marawi City Police Station and Grand Mosque, forcing the remaining members of the Maute Group into an area measuring about half a square-kilometer.

These buildings are strategically located making their capture a military necessity.

As of this posting, military units in Marawi have so far neutralized 603 terrorists and recovered 665 weapons. Government losses were placed at 130 troops along with 45 civilians executed or killed by the terrorists.

Rescued civilians are placed at 1,728 and 1,270 improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnances recovered so far.