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MANILA: Seven Marines were injured in a roadside bomb explosion before dawn on Saturday in a village in Maguindanao province in the southern Philippines.
This comes as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recommended the extension of martial law in Mindanao amid continued threats posed by militant groups such as the Daulah Islamiyah, the Maute Group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Abu Sayyaf Group.
Members of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 5 were reportedly on patrol when a roadside bomb exploded.
The wounded Marines were rushed to hospital. Authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators.
AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said Maute remains a threat, although its capabilities and manpower have been significantly degraded.
“Those who survived (the Marawi) siege remain at large, and are attempting to recover by recruiting (others),” he said.
Padilla also cited an increase in violent acts perpetrated by communist rebels following President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration to formally end peace talks with the National Democratic Front, the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army.
“Increasing violence initiated by the left is something to watch out for, and something we have to prepare for and confront,” Padilla said.
Zia Alonto Adiong, Lanao Del Sur first district assemblyman, said Maute remains a threat despite Duterte declaring Marawi liberated from the Daesh-backed group.
“Peace and order have yet to be stabilized” in Marawi, he told Arab News. “If it requires martial law to be extended in order to guarantee the safety of our people and that recovery efforts won’t be interrupted, then let’s have it extended.”
Duterte placed Mindanao island under martial law on May 23, a day after the Marawi siege began. It is due to expire on Dec. 31.