header logo
Mogo Academy
Latest
Philippines violence: Marawi civilians trapped as fire breaks truce
Jun 05, 201709:13 AM
Philippines violence: Marawi civilians trapped as fire breaks truce
Mobitel Inner

Hundreds of civilians remain trapped in the besieged Philippine city of Marawi after gunfire disrupted a four-hour truce to evacuate them, BBC reported.

 


Officials had hoped that around 1,000 residents would leave the city but only some 130 were freed, reports said.

 


The ceasefire between the army and militants allied to so-called Islamic State (IS) had been reached through intermediaries.

 


The fighting has left more 170 dead, including at least 20 civilians.

 


The ceasefire was expected to last until 12:00 local time (04:00 GMT). But one hour into it, gunfire broke out, apparently preventing residents from leaving the city, Reuters news agency reported.

 


It was not clear who was firing. A government representative said negotiations were continuing for another temporary ceasefire on Monday.
Most of the civilians have already fled Marawi but up to 2,000 are believed to be in the city.

 


The truce had been mediated by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebel group, a separatist movement based on Mindanao island, where Marawi is located. They have signed accords with the government aimed at forging a final peace.

 


The violence in Marawi began last month when the army failed in its attempt to capture Isnilon Hapilon, believed to be the main IS leader in the Philippines and linked to the local Maute group, who have declared allegiance to IS.

 


In response the Maute group attacked parts of the city with a population of 200,000, taking hostages. President Rodrigo Duterte then declared martial law on Mindanao.

 


The Philippine military, using armed forces and helicopter airstrikes, have retaken many areas, but others remain in rebel hands.

 

-BBC
-Agencies

 

 

 

MostRead
Mobitel Upahara
VideoStories
Farmers struggle continues as paddy prices plummet; PMB buys over 1 million kg of ‘Yala’ paddy

Farmers struggle continues as paddy prices plummet; PMB buys over 1 million kg of ‘Yala’ paddy

“Final salute to a dedicated officer ”Former IGP Wickramaratne laid to rest with full police honours

“Final salute to a dedicated officer ”Former IGP Wickramaratne laid to rest with full police honours

 Dengue situation worsening in Sri Lanka; Caseload surpasses 76,000 with 162 MOH areas at high risk

Dengue situation worsening in Sri Lanka; Caseload surpasses 76,000 with 162 MOH areas at high risk

 12 years at the heart of every breaking story Ada Derana News Channel marks another milestone

12 years at the heart of every breaking story Ada Derana News Channel marks another milestone

“Sri Lanka reclassified as Upper-Middle Income economy” What are the benefits for the people?

“Sri Lanka reclassified as Upper-Middle Income economy” What are the benefits for the people?

Former Presidents, politicians pay last respects to ex-Police Chief; Final rites tomorrow in Borella

Former Presidents, politicians pay last respects to ex-Police Chief; Final rites tomorrow in Borella

Women account for most dengue fatalities in 2026; PHIs take legal action against 10,000 individuals

Women account for most dengue fatalities in 2026; PHIs take legal action against 10,000 individuals

“Many have lost faith and trust in God” Cardinal says modern society prefers football over religion

“Many have lost faith and trust in God” Cardinal says modern society prefers football over religion

Govt has belittled and ridiculed country's farmers - MP Dilith Jayaweera

Govt has belittled and ridiculed country's farmers - MP Dilith Jayaweera

Who supplied fake QR stickers found on liquor bottles? MP Harsha de Silva questions

Who supplied fake QR stickers found on liquor bottles? MP Harsha de Silva questions

Farmers raise concerns over unopened govt paddy warehouses

Farmers raise concerns over unopened govt paddy warehouses

Over 1,500 fatalities reported from road accidents so far this year - Sri Lanka Police

Over 1,500 fatalities reported from road accidents so far this year - Sri Lanka Police

Former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne found dead in suspected suicide at Malabe residence

Former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne found dead in suspected suicide at Malabe residence

Appeal Courts postpones further hearing of Suresh Sallay’s writ petition to July 21

Appeal Courts postpones further hearing of Suresh Sallay’s writ petition to July 21

“Democracy must be defended from elected leaders” - Former BASL President

“Democracy must be defended from elected leaders” - Former BASL President

Lassana Flora