On day 34, 9 hostages rescued in Marawi

          

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (June 28, 2017) - After 34 days, government troops rescued 9 persons who were held hostage by the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City in the nearby province of Lanao del Sur, military official said.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, Task Force Marawi spokesperson said there are still more or less 120 civilians hostages being held up by the Maute terrorist group.

The rescued civilians, who are all male, identified as: (1) Ariel Ansaw; (2) Ronie Albacete; (3) Lando Albacete; (4) Dilbert Macatulag; (5) Micheal Ongos; (6) Mario Manggubat; (7) Jimboy Guinsayao; (8) Bryan Catipay; and (9) Algin Generalao. They were given immediate medical assistance. Gun powder tests on the said civilians yielded negative results. They said Father Chito Suganob is among those who are still being held hostage.

Lt. Col. Herrera said the government is doing all necessary measures to safely rescue the remaining hostages.

“We have received reports from the ground that the Maute terrorist group is using their hostages as human shields to deter military offensives against them,” Lt. Col. Herrera said.