AFP: No need to conduct loyalty check among troops in Marawi

Padilla also said there is no need to conduct loyalty check among soldiers engaged in clearing operations in Marawi as there is no reported incident involving members of the military who have defected to the enemy side. (PNA Photo)

MANILA, Aug. 10 —  All troops engaged in Marawi City are all accounted for, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig.

Gen. Restituto Padilla Wednesday.

Padilla also said there is no need to conduct  loyalty check among  soldiers engaged in clearing operations in Marawi as there is no reported incident  involving members of the military who have defected to the enemy side.

“All our soldiers, all our marines on the ground, they are all accounted for.

We do not doubt their loyalties. In fact, many of those who gave up their lives in Marawi from Day 1 up to present, and are still fighting are (our) Muslim brothers and sisters from the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front), and many from the (Muslim) communities who have decided to join the AFP and who have qualified to become soldiers, marines,”  he added.

As of 7p.m. Aug. 9, the AFP has estimated that it has killed 548 Maute members and lost around 125 to 128 troops.

Some 45 civilians were executed by the Maute.

Some 610 terrorists weapons were recovered and 1,728 civilians were rescued.