Islamic Center, St Mary's Cathedral retaken by troops from terrorists in Main Battle Area

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (August 28, 2017) - After 95 days of fighting, operating troops finally took over a catholic church located in the heart of the business district in Marawi City last Friday (August 25) where the fighting is thick since day 1, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the soldiers of the 10th Infantry Battalion who are in combat operations stealthily and decisively moved to clear the St Mary's Cathedral located in Brgy Marinaut, Marawi City at 3pm last Friday (August 25). During the first week of the siege, video footages of the Daesh-inspired terror group Maute were posted on the internet showing members of the terror group rampaging over the church destroying statues of Catholic saints.

Said footage also showed the disrespectful acts of the terrorists towards the said religious icon. After the successful seizure of the church, troops were able to recover 3 high powered firearms and assorted ammunition inside the building.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Center was also seized by troops at 2pm last Thursday (August 24) just 2 hours before President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in the Main Battle Area to visit the troops, Cpt. Petinglay added.

Cpt Petinglay said, following several days of operation and planning, soldiers and policemen were able to flush the terrorists from the iconic center keeping it preserved from any mortar or indirect fires. The members of the Maute used the structure as their headquarters where their command and control came from, and where they had stored several ammunition and firearms.

         

She further said that recovered were three booby traps; one suicide bomb suit with Improvised Explosive Device; two Rocket Propelled Grenade launchers; one RPG; one tripod for 50 caliber machine gun; and one Daesh black flag. Also, the troops discovered a dug in tunnel inside the mosque which was believed to be where they hid their ammunition.

"We have seen how these terrorists have desecrated both the Islamic Center and the St Mary's Cathedral," said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command. "This only shows how these people do not respect any religion may it be Christian or Muslim." "We abhor the acts of the terrorists and we know that they will never have a place anywhere in the world."