AFP intensifies ops vs. Maute Group as clashes continue for the third day

BUTIG, Lanao del Sur - The intensified military operations against the Maute local terrorist group entered its third day as more troops arrived in Butig on Monday morning.

As early as 5:30 a.m., the military fired 105 Howitzers in the direction of the Maute group while armored tanks and ground infantry troops moved.

Army troops launch aerial and ground shelling using 105 Howitzers at Maute Group in Butig, Lanao del Sur. The terrorist group has taken over the town anew and hoisted the black ISIS flag. Intense fighting continued in the last three days as more troops are deployed in the area. Ferdinandh Cabrera

Col. Roseller G. Murillo said an estimated 300 armed local terrorists were in Butig occupying the abandoned municipal town hall.

The terrorists were a mix of Maguindanao- and Tagalog-speaking persons, he said.

The military also flew two OV-10 bomber planes on Monday morning over the known locations of the Maute rebels in Butig.

Two Huey helicopters landed at the Tactical Command Post in Nanagun, Lombayanague to deliver boxes of ammunition for the troops. 

At least seven Army troopers were wounded in the past three days since the clashes started. The injured were airlifted by Huey helicopters to the nearest military hospital.

Butig Mayor Dilanggalen "Jimmy" Pansar told GMA News in an interview Sunday that Butig was totally affected by the ongoing conflict. Ninety percent of its population were displaced.

Pansar said classes were temporarily suspended since the military offensive started and as residents fled for safety.

Lanao del Sur Gov. Sorraya Adiong directed the Provincial Social Welfare Office to provide food and relief assistance to the displaced families staying in evacuation centers in Butig and Lombayanague.

Pansar said the military option is not the only solution to the ongoing conflict "but a peaceful dialogue and negotiations and implement appropriate projects in Butig."

A total of 1,995 individually displaced persons were given initial relief and food assistance as of Sunday, provincial records released by Salama Jayne Tamano revealed.

Women and children meanwhile were taken care of by the health department. —KG, GMA News