MANILA, Oct 16 (Mabuhay) — Government forces rescued at least 20 more hostages of the Maute group in Marawi City.
Colonel Romeo Brawner, Joint Task Force Marawi deputy commander, said the hostages were rescued by troops during operations since Saturday.
The military earlier said the Maute group still has at least 40 civilian hostages.
Government troops failed to meet the October 15 deadline to end the Marawi crisis.
Brawner said the remaining Maute group members, which just around 40, are still using their hostages as human shields against the advancing troops.
The crisis started with the Maute group’s attack in the city on May 23.
The military said more than 800 militants and 162 soldiers and policemen have been killed.
The civilian death toll, meanwhile, was still at 47. (MNS)