Thousands displaced in Lanao Sur offensive vs Maute militants

LANAO DEL SUR, Philippines — More than 10,000 residents of Tubaran town in this province have evacuated their homes since Sunday as government forces launched air strikes and a ground offensive against the remaining Maute militants.

The displaced residents are staying in evacuation centers in Binidayan, Pagayawan, Marogong, Bayang, Ganassi and Calanogas towns, according to a report from the office of Lanao del Sur Gov. Soraya Alonto-Adiong.

The provincial government is being assisted by military units in providing food and other relief items to the evacuees.

Six Maute militants, including their leader Owaida Benito Marohombsar, alias Abu Dar, were reportedly killed in the air strikes.

Marohombsar reportedly assumed leadership of the militant group after its founding members Omarkhayam and Abdullah Maute were killed in the firefights in Marawi last year.

The police and military are on alert against possible attacks by remnants of the Maute group to avenge their losses in recent military operations.

Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega of the Western Mindanao Command said their intelligence  personnel are helping secure the evacuation centers.