Islamic State (IS)-inspired terrorists holed up in Marawi are guarding around P1.4 billion in cash and jewelry looted from the city, a government official said on Friday. “They’re not leaving because they have 70 bags from looting [and the loot] is about P20 million per bag,” the official said. Herrera said at least 10 hostages who had escaped separately from their captors disclosed the looting the terrorists forced them to undertake. “They believe that the amount of cash and valuable items looted could be worth more [than P500 million], as there were several other groups being forced by terrorists to loot and steal for them,” he said. Esperon said the terrorists who attacked the city originally numbered more than 660, including 20 foreign fighters.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 21, 2017 23:15 UTC