Maute now confined to much smaller areaand AFP

MANILA-- Areas controlled by the Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City has now shrunk to around 5 to 7 hectares.This was disclosed by AFP public affairs Col. Edgard Arevalo in press briefing late Wednesday.This is smaller compared to the 8 to 9 hectares previously reported and is indicative that the military is steadily pushing and constricting the enemy into a much smaller and tigher space.Arevalo added that remaining numbers of Maute Group terrorists are also down to 40 or 10 fighters lower than previously reported.Number of slain lawless elements are placed at 753 while government losses are at 155 since fighting started last May 23 after a botched attempt to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and his cohorts.Rescued hostages are now at 1,733 while Marawi City residents slain or executed by the bandits are put at 47.Recovered Maute weapons are now at 795.(PNA)