New armed group in Marawi?

MANILA, Philippines —  Malacañang has ordered the military to verify the reported emergence of a new armed group in Marawi.

The so-called Meranaw Victims Movement is reportedly calling on Maute militants to free their remaining hostages and leave Marawi.

“The military is still verifying the veracity of the video posted online on the existence of a new armed group,” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said yesterday.

Abella said the government does not tolerate the creation of armed groups to seek redress for grievances of citizens.

He also encouraged the personalities behind the group to reach out to the administration.

“Demands from government are better made through dialogues and consultation with various stakeholders,” Abella said.

In a 14-minute video posted online, the group claimed it is composed of armed evacuees from Marawi.

“The group is dedicated to help in fighting for the rights of the Bangsa Meranaw whose dignity was trampled upon because of this crisis,” the group said in a Facebook post.

“We hold our local leaders, past and present...responsible for failing to prevent the ISIS-inspired Maute group from carrying out their plan...They were fully aware of the group’s presence in the city prior to the siege and for literally forsaking the civilians like orphans in the midst of great danger during the onset of the siege on May 23, 2017,” it added.