Maute Group members are drug users —AFP spokesman

A military spokesperson on Saturday said Maute Group members are using drugs, based on evidence discovered by troops in their hiding places in Butig, Lanao del Sur.

Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said illegal drugs were discovered by troops during ongoing clearing operations in areas recently occupied by the bandits in Butig town.

Padilla said that the Maute Group may be using drugs to recruit younger members.

He added that the bandits could be using drugs to remain alert during the military's offensive operations.

"Maaaring ginagamit po nila 'yan para mahikayat nila at manatili sa hanay nila. Para manatiling alerto at gising sa kanilang pinagkukutaan," Padilla told radio dzBB.

The military on Thursday said that its troops have driven the local terror group out of Butig town.

It said that at least 60 members of the Maute Group were killed and more than 30 soldiers were wounded during the week-long offensive.

During the radio interview, Padilla said pursuit operations against the remaining members of the Maute Group. He said that the bandit group has an estimated 200 remaining members and they still have at least 70 firearms.

He said they have information that the bandit groups are hiding in forested areas in the outskirts of Butig town.

Padilla said the relentless pursuit operation against the bandit group is necessary to prevent them from returning to Butig town.

The offensive was launched by the military after the Maute Group occupied an area of Butig town and replaced the Philippine flag with the black ISIS flag at the old municipal hall compound. —ALG, GMA News