Doctor denies Marawi hospital taken over by Maute

A staff member from the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City dismissed reports that the hospital was taken over by members of Maute group when it attacked earlier this week.

According to Raffy Tima's report on "24 Oras" on Thursday, Dr. Amer Saber, medical chief of the hospital, denied that there was a takeover.

"There was no hostage taking. They were not able to raise any ISIS flag in this area," Saber said.

The report said a wounded member of the group was even rushed to the hospital, but he immediately died. 

Initial reports indicated that armed members of the Maute group took over the government hospital on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, establishments were greatly affected by the clashes between the military and the local terrorists. 

"Hundred percent patay ang negosyo. Kita mo naman... sino naman ang gagasolina? Wala. Mahirap nang magbukas din mamaya iba ang maggagasolina. Imbes na magbabayad, mahirap na," one resident said. 

The report also said residents continued to flee the area. 

"Alis na talaga kami. Maraming ISIS sa labas. Nasa pintuan na ng bahay namin. Hindi na namin kaya at saka kailangan masave itong mga bata," one resident said. 

Some evacuees who are staying in covered courts, moreover, sought for more aid and support. 

"Gusto sana namin may tumulong sa amin para maitransfer kami ng ibang lugar. Para makaluwas kami dito. Kasi dito Sir para na kaming mababaliw," a resident said. -Anna Felicia Bajo/NB, GMA News