By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A former member of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) recounted his experience and situation in Marawi City, after terrorists from the Maute group attempted to take control of the city.
In a report by Aksyon Radyo-Bacolod, Police Inspector Stephen Boniba said the situation in the city has slightly improved, compared to the last few days, although several snipers are still holed up in the city.
Boniba, now a member of the Lanao Del Sur Provincial Police Office (LDSPPO), said he was in the city’s police headquarters, when members of the Maute group appeared, about 50 meters away from their station.
He said they battled with the group for two days before they were reinforced by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other police units in the region.
Boniba added, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is currently pummeling several areas of the city with airstrikes, as ground forces are finding it difficult to penetrate some areas.
He stated, some terrorists have blocked roads with trucks and have taken up positions inside structures in the city.
Earlier last week, the Maute group tried to take over Marawi City in an attempt to establish a “wilayat,” or province of the Islamic State (IS).
In response, President Rodrigo Duterte declared Martial Law throughout Mindanao and both the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) were sent to the city to clear out the terrorists.
Boniba was earlier transferred to the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in December of 2016 after he was allegedly linked with illegal drug activities in Bacolod City./WDJ