30 workers trapped in Marawi clash ask for speedy rescue
A fire rages at houses following airstrikes by Philippine Air Force in Marawi, southern Philippines, Saturday, May 27, 2017. Philippine military jets fired rockets at militant positions Saturday as soldiers fought to wrest control of the southern city from gunmen linked to the Islamic State group. AP/Bullit Marquez
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — About 30 civilian workers asked for an immediate rescue as they were surrounded Saturday by the Islamic State-inspired Maute militants in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
The civilians called their families, asking for government forces to rescue them from the Maute militants.
One of the civilians named Romar Maralino called his wife and said that they were surrounded by the group, who were trying to force their way inside a building along Rajah Madaya Perez Street in Marawi City.
“As of this noon, my husband called, pleading for immediate rescue because the terrorists have already surrounded the building and were destroying the gate to barge in and to take them as hostage,” said Romar's wife, Joy.
Joy said that her husband was with his brother Romer and other companions named Michael Casimiro and Jimmy Esperat, all from Marawi City. About 26 other laborers were also trapped inside the building.
Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said the ground forces have been alerted for the rescue.
Petinglay said troops are now concentrating on particular areas where the militants are holed up.
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