;
5 soldiers were reported to have been injured in the military clash that took place in Marawi City.
Authorities claimed that the firing was initiated by the alleged presence of an Abu Sayyaf leader.
Military officials are still validating reports about the incident.
The ongoing clash between the members of the Maute and terrorists groups in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur resulted in the injury of five government security soldiers. According to reports of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the exchange of gunshots took place at Brgy. Basak Malulut at round 2 pm on Tuesday.
The clash between the armed men in Marawi City was initiated by the alleged presence of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon who was spotted with 15 followers roaming around the area. He is believed to be the leader of the Maute group also known as Dawlah Islamiya Philippines which according to The Philippine STAR, “espouses hatred to non-Muslims”. They were also known for their loyalty to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and “uses black ISIS flag as its revolutionary banner”. Some netizens were able to capture photos of the group raising the infamous black flag before the firing happened.
“The military operation focus on the alleged presence of Isnilon Hapilon with the 15 fully armed Maute group who occupied an apartment as their rendezvous in Marawi City,” Colonel Jo-ar Herera, Philippine Army 1st infantry Tank Division spokesperson said, quotes lifted from Star.
Hapilon was initially based in Basilan but left the area to establish a province of the Islamic State in Lanao del Sur. Inquirer also reported that Hapilon was badly injured from one of the military airstrike this year.
Meanwhile, an activated crisis committee and peace and order council have been deployed in the area to mitigate the tension.
Online users were able to capture pictures of the clash and upload it on social media.
In line with this incident, some online users express their concern for the expected peace and order in Marawi, City. They clamor for the authorities to respond accordingly to avoid possible civilian collateral damage should military activities take place anywhere in Mindanao.
