MANILA, Philippines - Respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and
Human Rights (HR) is the reason why the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
is taking heavy casualties in the ongoing operations to clear Marawi City of
the remaining Maute Group terrorists.
In the same vein, the military puts premium on civilian lives, unlike
the lawless elements who indiscriminately fires weapons, regardless of the
targets.
"Our losses are because we put premium on saving more civilian
lives and complete respect for IHL/HR," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen.
Restituto Padilla said late Sunday.
However, to avoid more losses, he added that many adjustments will be
made in the conduct of military operations in the remaining areas of Marawi
City still being held by the Maute Group terrorists.
As of this posting, there are 58 government troops killed and around
120 wounded in the fighting which is now entering its fourth week.
Thirteen of the recent losses were Marine troopers who were killed in a
major engagement which lasted for some 14 hours, erupted between Marine units
and Maute Group terrorists at Barangay Lilot Madaya in Marawi City Friday.
Fighting started 3:30 a.m. and ended 5 p.m. of June 9. Around 40 were
also reported wounded.
"Our men served with honor and we ask you to join us in prayer for
the repose of their souls, strength for the bereaved families in this moment of
grief and for peace in our land," Padilla concluded. (Priam F.
Nepomuceno/PNA)
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