Military launches airstrikes in Lake Lanao

Government forces launched airstrikes in Lake Lanao on Thursday morning after alleged members of the ISIS-inspired Maute group were spotted in the area.

According to a report on Balitanghali by Jun Veneracion, the military said the armed men, seen by residents, could be possible reinforcement for the local terrorists trapped in the main battle area in Marawi City.

The armed men were seen on board a big boat and three other smaller boats in Balt Island, Bacolod-Kalawi, Lanao del Sur, which is 20 kilometers away from the embattled city.

The report said military operations are ongoing in the area.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law after the Maute group attacked Marawi City on May 23.

On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana made pronouncements that the ongoing conflict in the war-torn city could end by September 30. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News