PH military rescues at least 17 hostages in Marawi

Surrender feelers from the remaining Maute group terrorists are a clear indication that the lawless elements are steadily losing their strength and will to fight, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

Among the rescued hostages were teachers from Dansalan College who were held captive since the early days of the siege ranging in age from 18 to 75, according to defense chief Delfin Lorenzana.

Meanwhile, Col. Edgard Arevalo reiterated the statement of Lorenzana that details of the operations could not be disclosed as there were still 43 hostages inside the war-torn city. "We see this as a positive development towards the liberation of Marawi from the hands of terrorists", Abella said.

Nine of the hostages were men and eight were women.

At least 17 hostages were rescued by the military in Marawi City on Wednesday, sources told ABS-CBN News.

The crisis in Marawi, on its 135th day Wednesday, erupted when militant groups launched an attack on the city allegedly to establish an Islamic caliphate in the region.

Four Maute gunmen were killed in the gunfight that preceded the rescue of the 17 hostages, sources from the provincial government of Lanao del Sur said. The casualties include 753 terrorists, 47 civilians, and 155 security forces.

"While rebels remain holed up in a small portion of the city, they show tenacity and resistance", Abella said.

"Military operations are focused and intense and necessitate time to rescue remaining hostages, and bring to a decisive conclusion the Marawi rebellion".