More soldiers wounded as fighting rages on in Marawi

MANILA, Philippines – More soldiers got wounded in Marawi as fighting continued to flush out remaining fighters in the battle area, the military said on Wednesday, October 18. 

Task Group Ranao deputy commander Colonel Romeo Brawner confirmed troops were wounded in clashes Tuesday night just hours after President Rodrigo Duterte declared the city “liberated from terrorist influence.” He had yet to provide details. 

On Wednesday, bursts of gunfire and explosions from mortar firing could be heard from the battle area. Choppers were rushing in and out of the military headquarters.

The military earlier said this is expected as they continued to clear two more hectares in the battle area. Armed Forces chief General Eduardo Año said deaths of siege leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute had reduced the threat to the level of a law enforcement operation. 

The government said Duterte’s announcement signaled the beginning of massive work to rehabilitate Marawi. – Bobby Lagsa/Rappler.com