The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday said around 40 or more hostages are still being held by Islamic State-linked Maute terrorists in Marawi City. Of the 40 remaining hostages, more than 20 are women she said, quoting the four hostages who escaped through Lake Lanao and were rescued by the military guarding the waters. “We will not estimate that there are 40 remaining, it may also exceed because we still don’t have a clear view if how many there are. The military stepped up its offensives against the Maute Group on Saturday, hours after a day after AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Año visited wounded troops. At least 50 Maute members are still holed up in the war-torn city, based on the information given by the four escaped hostages, she added.

Source: Manila Times August 13, 2017 17:37 UTC