Military units recover Marawi City Police Station from Maute Group

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): Military units recover Marawi City Police Station from Maute Group

Government forces have finally recovered the Marawi City Police Station from the hands of the remaining Maute Group terrorists last Aug. 22, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported Thursday.

In a briefing, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the recovery of the police station is considered an important one due to its "strategic location".

It was one of the first buildings captured when the Maute Group terrorists launched their attacks after an attempt to capture Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and his cohorts last May 23.

Padilla noted the recovery of the Marawi City Police Station highlights the ever-shrinking operational areas of the terrorist group and the government resolve to totally free the locality from the clutches of the lawless elements.

As this developed, operations are now underway to recover the Grand Mosque in Marawi City which was reportedly used by the terrorists as one of their key fighting positions.

No other details are available as of this posting but Padilla said clearing operations will immediately take place once the Grand Mosque is recovered to ensure that no bombs and improvised explosive devices are left behind.

The AFP spokesperson said 300 more buildings and establishments are needed to be cleared before Marawi City can be declared secured from the enemy.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1007406