June 30, 2017•Update: June 30, 2017
By Roy Ramos
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines
The bodies of 17 civilians recovered from the besieged city of Marawi were shot “execution style” by the Daesh-linked Maute militants, a military spokesman said Thursday.
Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said based on initial reports, all of the civilians were shot in the back of the head and five were beheaded, GMA News reported.
The militants’ actions are "beyond evil", according to Assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong.
"All Maranaos couldn't describe how they feel. It's beyond evil. You feel helpless and angered," said Adiong.
With the retrieval of the bodies Wednesday, the death toll rose to 422, including 303 Maute militants, 75 government troops and 44 civilians.
Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera said although Abdulla Maute has been very visible leading the militants, the rising number of casualties and diminishing resources were already disturbing the group, leading to leadership problems.
President Rodrigo Duterte is optimistic the clashes in Marawi will end before the end of the month.
“The way it’s being evolving now, I think it will be a matter of days, Duterte said in a speech at Camp Quintin Merecido in Davao. “We are winning the war, do not worry,” he added.
The siege that erupted May 23 forced more than 200,000 residents to flee Marawi and Martial law imposed by Duterte following the attack is still in effect.
