(Eagle News) — One policeman was killed and eight others were injured in clashes between the authorities and armed Maute rebels in Marawi City.
General Eduardo Año, Armed Forces of the Philippines head, disclosed this in a phone interview with CNN Philippines on Tuesday night.
“Eight ang wounded. Sa (Philippine National Police) meron na tayong isang officer na namatay,” Año, who is part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s official delegation in Moscow, Russia, said.
According to Año, the firefight ensued after authorities acted on a tip Isnilon Hapilon, said to be the leader of the Islamic State forces in the country, was hiding in Barangay Basak in Malutlut this morning.
“Habang inaakyat ang safehouse ni Hapilon…, during the firefight, nagflash ang ibang Maute group…who would like to try and rescue Hapilon,” Año said.
He said 20 armed rebels went to Amai Pakpak hospital, around 20 others went to the provincial jail.
Hapilon, he said, was with 17 other armed men in his safehouse.
“Less than 50 ang Maute group na nakakalat. Please advise civilians to stay in houses,” Año said.
Despite this, Año said the government was “in full control.”
“They try to distract troops by (doing) diversionary activities…Iciclear natin one by one,” Año said.
Meanwhile, Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra said the black-clad terrorists were just roaming around the city.
He said he has been asking for reinforcements from the military, but these have not arrived yet.
“Hindi natin alam kung ano ang dala dala nitong mga taong ito na gustong pasukin ang mga government facilities,” he said in an interview with CNN Philippines.