Maute terrorists in Marawi turn hostages into fighters, carriers of arms, 'looters'

THE Islamic State-linked Maute terrorists in Marawi City are turning their hostages into fighters, arms carriers and even looters, thereby increasing their number against government troops, a military official said on Monday.

"The enemy’s strength per the last validation seemed to have increased from 60 to 80... because of news and information that indicated that perhaps some of the hostages previously held have been forced to join the ranks," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Restituto Padilla said during the Mindanao Hour news briefing.