Maute death toll now 581

From Malaya Business Insight (Aug 21): Maute death toll now 581

The number of Maute Group members slain in the armed rebellion in Marawi City, which is nearing its third month, continued to rise as government troops continued to clear a small part of the city of the terrorist group.

As of yesterday, 581 Maute men have been killed, with 638 firearms recovered, said Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, spokeswoman of the military’s Western Mindanao Command and  Joint Task Force Marawi.

The figure is higher by eight compared to last Friday’s count.

The number of slain soldiers and policemen remained at 128 and civilians at 45.

About 50 to 60 Maute members are still left in the city, confined in a small battle area measuring 800 by 600 meters.

Asked when the military will finally end the conflict that started on May 23, Petinglay said, “We still have more than 400 structures to clear. Look at the structures being cleared and make an estimate how long it will take.”

Petinglay said operating troops cleared 26 structures of Maute men and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) last Saturday. On Friday, said 32 buildings were cleared the previous day.

“The clearing depends on the structures… Some of them have been destroyed due to air strikes. They may be cleared of enemy presence but not cleared of IEDs or bombs. That’s one of the issues that that we are facing on the ground,” said Petinglay.

Petinglay also said soldiers are still facing two major challenges -- the presence of hostages and IEDs.

“If our soldiers will not be careful or (will be) careless in the clearing operation, they may hit the hostages. That’s one of the issues that we have to consider... The enemy is holding hostages which they are using as human shields, to the disadvantage of our troops,” said Petinglay.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/maute-death-toll-now-581