SIX skeletal remains were found by troops in one of the “execution sites” of Maute group and Abu Sayyaf bandits in Marawi City, an official said on Thursday, July 13.
Joint Task Force Marawi Spokesman Jo-ar Herrera said the remains, all wearing orange dress, were discovered by the 51st Infantry Battalion around 9:47 a.m., Wednesday, July 12.
Herrera added they believed that the remains were executed during the early part of crisis.
The Marawi crisis started when the Maute group members went berserk and occupied several establishments when government forces raided the hideout of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon on May 23.
The Maute terror group is providing protection to Hapilon, who pledged allegiance to the Islamic Sate of Iraq and Syria.
Herrera said the remains could be those of individuals that were executed as shown in the propaganda video of the Maute group and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) posted on social media.
Western Mindanao Command Chief Carlito Galvez Jr. condemned the brutal killing of the innocent victims.
“The brutal execution is a proof of their un-Islamic ways. These terrorist do not respect anyone or anything,” Galvez said.
The recovery of six remains brought the number of cadavers the troops have recovered to 39 since the fighting started on May 23.
Herrera said it is believed that there could be more people murdered by the Maute and ASG as revealed by rescued hostages. (SunStar Philippines)