MARAWI CITY – The military has admitted that some Maute gunmen and those from other armed groups fighting the government here have managed to escape the war zone by posing as trapped civilians. Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, the spokesperson of the Task Force Marawi, said other gunmen probably escaped through the Lake Lanao and to areas adjoining the city. Herrera made the admission when asked to explain his claim that only about 80 gunmen remained inside the war zone as of this week. We were able to negate the possible exit of the terrorists,” Herrera said. Pacasum said with the tightened process, it would be more difficult now for gunmen deserting their posts to pose as trapped civilians.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 09, 2017 15:11 UTC