THE strong resistance put up by the terrorists in Marawi City suggests that Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon remains holed up in the area.
“We are convinced that he is still there, and this is the reason for the strong defense,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said on Monday.
Hapilon, who carries a US$5-million bounty, was the subject of a military operation when clashes between government troops and terrorists erupted in Marawi last Tuesday.
In the ensuing battle, the Isis-inspired terror group took over a hospital in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, established several checkpoints within the city, burned down several government and private facilities and inflicted casualties on the part of government forces.
Its members were even shown flying the flag of the Islamist State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) in several areas of the city.
This prompted President Duterte to place Mindanao under martial law for a period of 60 days on the grounds of invasion and rebellion.
The AFP said getting Hapilon is at the center of their operations to clear the remaining pockets of resistance in Marawi.
The military operations included the use of “precision airstrikes” to expedite the clearing process as well as to protect both security forces and civilians. (pna)
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
