Government troops have been ordered to secure mosques and other places of worships in the wake of threats from extremist groups as the observance of the holy month of Ramadan started on Saturday. “As fighting continues in Marawi, our units are constrained to launch airstrikes to identified specific targets occupied by the Maute/IS terrorist group,” Galvez said. “The terrorists’ actions prevent their fellow Muslims from peacefully and solemnly observing Ramadan as they continue to occupy buildings and structures in Marawi City. The fighting in Marawi City started on May 23 when Maute group members laid siege on the city after government troops raided the hideout of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, whom the group is protecting. When the Maute Group started occupying Marawi on Tuesday, a blackout hit the city.

Source: Manila Times May 27, 2017 15:33 UTC