No advise yet for Marawi evacuees to return to their homes: Palace

MANILA—Malacañang on Saturday said Marawi evacuees have not been advised to return to the conflict-stricken city, as fighting continues.

"Again, there's no advise from the Joint Task Force Marawi for the return of our displaced persons temporarily taking shelter in other areas," Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

However, there are residents in areas outside Marawi who never evacuated and are not considered as returnees, according to Abella.

"This is true to some of the locals/residents living within the vicinity of (Mindanao State University), the Provincial Police Station and portion of Barangay Basak Malutlut who never left their houses," he said.

Abella added that Masjid Abu Bakr Mosque remains closed, as it is situated in the city's main battle area.

He said the military has retaken the following areas: Grand Mosque, Jamiatul Philippines Al-Islamiya School, Bayabao (Bangolo) and Masiu Bridges, Pacasum Square, and prominent mosques in Barangay Marinaut.

"These recent successes will hopefully lead to the quick resolution of this conflict and eventually the total liberation of Marawi," he said.

The crisis in Marawi City has left more than 800 dead, among them nearly 700 terrorists and over 150 government forces. It has also displaced more than 200,000 Marawi residents and thousands more from nearby towns.

During a visit to the conflict zone Thursday, President Rodrigo Duterte said state troops were winding up its offensives. He added that he would lift his martial law declaration over Mindanao as soon as the city has been cleared of hazards, especially of improvised explosive devices.