MANILA, Philippines — The main battle area in Marawi City, which covers 36 of the city's barangays, will remain closed to returning residents as clearing operations continue, the military said Friday. Around 14,319 families or 71,595 persons have returned to their homes in 19 barangays in the war-torn capital of Lanao del Sur as of Thursday. Padilla admitted that the reason the areas in the main battle zone of the war-torn city remain off limits is the slow turnout of the military's clearing operations. The military has expressed support for the recommendation of the police to extend the declaration. "As far as I am concerned, there is a recommendation to similarly support the recommendation of Philippine National Police," Padilla said.

Source: Philippine Star December 08, 2017 05:26 UTC