AFP clears Bangolo of Maute Group terrorists

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): AFP clears Bangolo of Maute Group terrorists

Military forces are now starting to clear Marawi City's Bangolo District where the remnants of the Maute Group are now preparing their last stand, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said Wednesday.

"I don't know the exact size of the area but it is concentrated in the area of Bangolo (which is full of tall buildings and houses) which they filled with sniper positions making it difficult for government troops to move," he added.

Military sources placed the size of the area to be cleared in Bangolo to around "three kilometers by three kilometers" and is considered the financial hub of Marawi City.

As of 6 p.m. of June 6, Maute Group members killed in the military action was placed at 134, with government losses at 39, and 20 civilian executed by the terrorists.

The number of firearms captured from the Maute Group is now at 115 while some 1,545 civilians were rescued.

Padilla said current focus of military operations in Marawi City: clearing of Marawi of militants still in the area; continue rescue of trapped residents; continue recovery of civilian casualties, victims; and, assisting the local government units, civil society organizations and non-government organizations on relief operations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994004