Members of the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group and criminals freed by the group in the Marawi City siege have hauled at least P500 million worth of cash and jewelry loot, the military reported on Tuesday, citing information provided by hostages.
A statement from the military’s Joint Task Force (JTF) Marawi said the cash and assorted jewelry were taken by the terrorists from houses and establishments that they raided and occupied during the initial days of the battle in Marawi.
“An estimated P500 million worth of cash was reportedly stolen by Maute/ASG [Abu Sayyaf Group] terrorists, together with criminals in Marawi City, according to revelations by hostages who escaped and were later on rescued by government forces,” the statement said.
“Seven hostages who were able to reach government forces two weeks ago, followed by another who escaped a few days later, and a pair of hostages who managed to escape several days ago, made this disturbing revelations, thus corroborating earlier information received by JTF Marawi,” it added.
The military said the hostages were forced to convert into Islam, otherwise, they would be killed.
The hostages were likewise forced by the terrorists to steal ammunition and firearms, aside from money and jewelry.
“The hostages revealed that they were forced to convert to Islam or be killed. According to them, they were initially tasked to loot and steal from the houses/establishments for ammunition, firearms, cash, gold and jewelry,” the task force said.
“They [hostages] estimate that their group alone was able to steal at least P500 million in cash not to include other items they have taken from households and business establishments,” the JTF Marawi said.
“They believe that the amount of cash and valuable items looted could be worth more as there were several other groups being forced by the terrorists to loot and steal for them,” it added.
Meanwhile, seven trucks filled with relief goods arrived in Ramain, Lanao del Sur, which for the past month has become a safe haven for civilians fleeing the armed conflict in Marawi City.
The International Committee of the Red Cross unloaded hundreds of boxes containing jerry cans, mosquito nets, blankets, mats and kitchenware.
The relief packages were systematically distributed to more than 2,600 families who have been displaced by the armed hostilities.
Ramain is considered a military hot spot not only due to its proximity to Marawi, but also because members of the Maute Group reportedly have used it as an escape route.
Image credits: AP
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