MANILA, Philippines — The Maute terrorist group is now starting to weaken.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson BGen. Restituto Padilla explained one indication of this is the military’s recent success in pushing through previous strongholds of the terrorists like the bridges in Mapandi and Bangolo.

“They were not able to protect their controlled area that’s why their strongholds are declining. If they remain strong, the government would not have pushed through their strongholds,” said Padilla.

In line with this, government troops continue to advance to the hideout of the Maute terrorist group.

However, the AFP said the terrorists are now careful and are using traps and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Maute snipers and civilian hostages also hinder the government’s offensive against the terrorists.

“The intense firefight hinders our efforts to advance, to enter the area. These hindrances also include their use of IEDs, and snipers and other such tactics,” said the AFP spokesperson.

Padilla said the rebellion in Marawi City is now on its 107th day.

Although this has been the longest battle the soldiers have faced, the military is confident that the crisis in the city is already coming to an end.

“We are trying to end this clashes at the soonest possible time because what we want is to totally liberate the city of Marawi so that its residents could go back to their normal lives,” said Padilla.

As of current, the number of fatalities on the part of the government is at 145, while 649 were killed on the part of the Maute terrorist group. — Lea Ylagan | UNTV News & Rescue