AFP finding out if Hapilon, Omar Maute among bandits killed on Monday

The military is looking at the possibility that Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute were among the four bandits killed in the recent offensives against Maute-ISIS positions in Marawi City.

According to Emil Sumangil's report for GMA-7 news program "24 Oras," the military is still verifying the identities of the militants killed during Monday's operations.

Colonel Romeo Brawner, the deputy commander of Joint Task Force Ranao, said the intensified military assault was forcing the remaining militants to take fuller cover.

"Ginagamit na nila heavily 'yung mga trenches nila at 'yung mga tunnels nila nang, sa gayon, ay makaligtas sila sa mga aerial bombardment at pati na rin 'yung mga sniper fires natin. But our forces are really pushing forward," Brawner said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said at least 753 militants have been killed since the bloody battle began in May 23, whereas they estimate only 40 to remain in the battle area. —Margaret Claire Layug/NB, GMA News