Philippines denies reports of 2,000 civilian deaths
Philippine security officials on Tuesday dismissed a report that thousands of civilians have been killed in the ongoing fight in Marawi city on the southern island of Mindanao.
On Monday, the Daily Tribune citing an unnamed lawyer, who it claimed is a long-time member of the ruling party PDP-Laban, reported that the civilian death toll in Marawi City was estimated at 2,000.
“These are unverified reports. Operations are still ongoing and the proper authorities are still assessing, consolidating, and verifying data from Marawi City,” Inquirer online quoted Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana as saying on Tuesday.
He also warned the public against sharing unverified information about the death toll in Marawi City siege.
"Avoid sharing unverified data and figures, and stop the proliferation of fake news that only cause undue alarm, panic, and confusion among our people."
President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in the entire island of Mindanao following the attack by Daesh-inspired Maute group in Marawi city.
As of Monday, the military said about 300 civilians, including Maute’s hostages, remain trapped in the war zone.
At least 507 people - 379 suspected terrorists, 39 civilians, and 89 government troops - have died since battles began almost two months now.
About 400,000 civilians from Marawi and outlying areas have also been displaced as a result of the fighting.
Anadolu Agency
