MANILA - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) pushed into Butig, Lanao Del Sur on Sunday, a day after the Maute Group, a terror organization behind the September bombing in Davao City, occupied Butig's town center.
Military SF-260 trainer aircrafts were seen dropping 150-pound bombs over the town center, where Maute fighters have occupied the municipal hall, national high school and mosque.
Military SF-260 trainer aircrafts were seen dropping 150-pound bombs over the town center, where Maute fighters have occupied the municipal hall, national high school and mosque.
SF260s drop 150-lb bombs over the Maute Group in Lanao del Sur as military offensive continues pic.twitter.com/rmaOKtVpTc |@chiarazambrano
The Tactical Command Post in Lanao del Sur has also sent reinforcements to the besieged town.
WATCH: Help arrives at the Tactical Command Post in Lanao del Sur pic.twitter.com/pA02F0ofZq | via @chiarazambrano
Troops, after inching towards the frontlines, have also rescued two soldiers who suffered shrapnel wounds.
WATCH: Troops inch their way on foot toward two wounded soldiers in Butig, Lanao del Sur pic.twitter.com/XoD9yXb5TG | via @chiarazambrano
Corporal Colinares of 49IB hit by RPG shrapnel in the foot in Butig, Lanao del Sur | via @chiarazambranopic.twitter.com/8zoJUWL4Ir
LOOK: PFC Abuid, hit by RPG shrapnel on arm, did not want to be taken out of the frontline | via @chiarazambranopic.twitter.com/NXi0xWOdtF
Maute rebels, meanwhile, have removed the Philippine flag from the town hall and replaced it with that of the Islamic State (ISIS). They hung similar flags on some houses.
LOOK: Black ISIS flag at Butig Town Hall; high school, madrasa, some houses held by Maute Group as defense vs AFP forces | @chiarazambranopic.twitter.com/WSE3C0mkdE
The AFP estimated that from 200 terrorists on Saturday, around 300 men armed with grenade launchers are now occupying the town.
The terrorists hail from different parts of Mindanao like Basilan and Maguindanao, most of them returnees to the Islamist group, the military said.
All roads in Butig have been closed to the public. Residents have also evacuated to other municipalities, with the biggest number in Lumbayanague, Lanao del Sur.
Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Mamintal Adiong earlier said authorities accounted yet for the total number of evacuees but are set to deliver the first batch of relief goods on Sunday morning.
The military in June captured Camp Darul Iman in Butig, said to be the final stronghold of the Maute terrorist group. Reports say the terrorist reoccupied Butig on Saturday after Armed Forces launched a major offensive against them.
Last October, authorities also arrested three Maute group members who were allegedly behind the deadly September 2 blast in Davao City.
Though no direct link has yet been established with ISIS, the Maute group’s alleged leaders, brothers Omar and Abdullah Maute, have already pledged allegiance to the terrorist group and even use their name and symbol.
Butig is the hometown of the Maute brothers.
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