Southern Philippines Conflict: Lives are forever changed by the Marawi siege

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ISIL supporters in the Southern Philippines continue challenging the military - even after it declared victory in Marawi three months ago. Just last week, an armed encounter wounded six Filipino troops. With the militants seemingly refusing to give up, locals have been suffering trauma and loss. CGTN's Barnaby Lo reports.

They may be staying in a huge house, but Noraida Salem Latip says it's empty because the truth is, they've got nothing left.

NORAIDA SALEM LATIP MARAWI EVACUEE "I saw a photo of our house online. It looked burnt, everything was black. We risked our lives to protect our property for nine days, but it still ended up getting bombed, I told my husband. It hurts so much."

The house she was referring to was in Marawi, site of the months-long siege between the Philippine military and ISIL-allied militants. The city is slowly returning to life but the heart of it will have to be rebuilt almost from the ground up.

FELIX CASTRO TASK FORCE BANGON MARAWI "For those who have no homes to return to, specifically the 24 barangays in the most affected area, we have transitional shelters."

But Noraida says those like her who fled to relatives and friends hardly get any help from the government.

NORAIDA SALEM LATIP MARAWI EVACUEE "I understand they needed air strikes to draw the enemies out. But my question is, 'As our leaders, how are you going to help those who've got nothing to do with the war? Aren't you asking yourselves if your constituents have food on their tables?'"

Worse though, those who were able to escape captivity from the militants, like "Peter", now feel they have to go into hiding.

PETER FORMER HOSTAGE "I've not heard of any threat against us but I do know their faces."

I asked how he feels now about his captors.

PETER FORMER HOSTAGE "I'm angry. I want to seek revenge against my captors. I want to kill them."

There's plenty of that going around among those affected by the war of Marawi – anger, that, if isn't addressed, could trigger new conflicts. Barnaby Lo, CGTN, in the Southern Philippines.