Government updates death toll in Marawi conflict, continues fighting ISIL-related militants

The Philippines' Presidential Palace announced on Monday morning that it will hold regular press conferences to brief the country on counter-terrorism efforts in the besieged southern island region of Mindanao.

As of 6:00 pm. local time on Sunday, 61 Islamist militants had been killed, along with 19 civilians, 15 soldiers and 3 police officers during the ongoing battle between government forces and ISIL-linked Muslim extremists in the southern city of Marawi, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella announced.

So far, Marawi City is still closed, and the joint military and police forces are continuing their crackdown against the rebel militants. The government also is also attempting to rescue civilians stranded in the city.

The crises inside Marawi have caused some 60,000 people to flee their homes. The government has provided more than 1 million pesos and goods worth around 2.5 million US dollars in aid to the affected residents.

According to the Presidential Palace, electricity supply is now only available to 40 percent of the city, though surrounding areas have not been affected.

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