2 marines killed as Marawi clashes intensify

MARAWI CITY, Philippines – Two more marines were killed  as clashes with local terrorist groups in Marawi City intensified, the military said on Friday, September 15. 

The military said in a news briefing it has launched its “final push” against the combined forces of the Maute Group and a faction of the Abu Sayyaf Group led by Isnilon Hapilon, the supposed emir of Islamic State (ISIS) in Southeast Asia. (READ: Troops penetrate Maute defensive position in Marawi)

The military has been pounding the battle area with air strikes throughout the week.

The marines were killed earlier in the week in a close quarter battle while trying to clear a building near Bayabao Bridge, an enemy defensive position that recently fell into government hands. 

Colonel Romeo Brawner said their bodies were retrieved on Wednesday, raising the death toll among government forces to 149. At least 4 were killed since the final push, including Army Scout Rangers Captain Rommel Sandoval. 

Over a thousand soldiers were reported injured but the military said about 600 have returned to the battle area.

The military also reported retrieving 3 decomposed bodies from areas previously controlled by the Maute fighters. 

One of the bodies is believed to be the remains of  a cop killed in the first week of the war but the military said this is still being verified through DNA tests. 

Up to 668 terrorists are believed to be killed. 

The final push came as troops said they have penetrated the final defensive position of the enemies. 

The military said some fighters inside have also sent the military surrender feelers, which could lead to an earlier end of the war. (READ: Possible surrender by Maute recruits could end war sooner) 

The military and local government officials are discussing the rehabilitation of Marawi. Local spokesman Zia Alonto Adiong asked the national government to earmark funds for Marawi rehabilitation in the 2018 budget. – Rappler.com