MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Sunday said it would refrain from making comments on the latest updates in the battlefield of Marawi as ongoing operations might be jeopardized.
“As per guidance from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we refrain from making comments on the latest developments in the main battle area of Marawi at this time; as ongoing operations may be jeopardized, as well as the lives of the remaining hostages, or soldiers in the frontlines,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.
The statement came after the Armed Forces captured the command center of the ISIS-inspired group Maute.
The military said it has subdued the militants after a five-hour battle and successfully took back Bato Mosque and Amaitul Islamiya Marawi Foundation, which became Maute strongholds.
On Saturday evening, Catholic priest Teresito “Chito” Suganob also escaped from his Maute captors after soldiers reclaimed the mosque where he was held captive since May 23.
READ: Marawi priest Chito Suganob rescued from Maute captors
Marawi City has been besieged by the Maute for nearly four months now. President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law and lifted the habeas corpus to contain the conflict and expel the terrorists.