The Philippine army has retaken most of the southern city of Marawi from ISIL-linked Maute militants, according to a military spokesperson.

Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said government troops "are in full control" of the besieged city but there was still a need to continue "surgical air strikes" to completely flush out the militants.

The conflict has reportedly left nearly 100 people dead as well as displacing a large number of people.

General Eduardo Ano, the chief of staff, said militants initially planned to burn down the whole city. He said the plan was aborted when government troops and police raided the militants' hideout last week.