Filipino civilians in besieged city of Marawi forced to join Isil and become sex slaves, army says

Volunteers wipe their tears as they remember soldiers and civilians killed in Marawi 
Tears for the victims of Marawi - where some residents are being forced to become terrorists' sex slaves Credit:  ROMEO RANOCO/Reuters

Civilians trapped by Isil-affliated groups in the besieged Filipino city of Marawi are being forced to join the fighting, loot and become sex slaves to militants, the army said on Tuesday.

According to recent escapees, hostages inside Marawi were being forced to convert to Islam, carry wounded fighters and marry terrorists from the Maute group, who invaded the city last month, said military spokesman Jo-Ar Herrera.

“They are being forced to be sex slaves, forced to destroy the dignity of these women,” he said.

Military vehicles drive along a street while government forces continue their assault on insurgents from the Maute group, in Marawi
The Filipino military on the streets of Marawi, where it has encountered strong resistance from the Maute group Credit: Jorge Silva/REUTERS

“This is what is happening inside, this is very evident..these are evil personalities.”

Most of Marawi’s 200,000 citizens have fled the Muslim-majority city since it was attacked on 23 May by the local Maute and Abu Sayyaf organisations, who both pledge loyalty to Isil.

Despite heavy aerial bombardment, which has destroyed much of the city centre, the militants have been able to hold off the army for five weeks, using snipers and rocket-propelled grenades.

Government troops continue their assault against insurgents from the Maute group
Government troops continue their assault against insurgents from the Maute group Credit: ROMEO RANOCO/Reuters
Evacuated residents lie on the floor at an evacuation centre outside Marawi
Evacuated residents lie on the floor at an evacuation centre outside Marawi Credit: REUTERS/Jorge Silva

Their combat capability, access to heavy weapons, and the presence of foreign fighters has raised fears that the siege of the city is part of a wider campaign for Isil to gain a foothold in Southeast Asia.

So far 387 people have died in Marawi, including 27 civilians and 70 servicemen. According to conservative estimates, 300-1,000 civilians may also be starving and struggling to survive in the battle zone.

If confirmed, the army’s claims suggest that they are also facing the same horrors endured by the victims of Isil’s campaign of terror across Iraq and Syria.  

A baby slepps inside a tent at an evacuation center outside Marawi
A baby sleeps inside a tent at an evacuation center outside Marawi Credit: REUTERS/Jorge Silva
Filipino Muslims donate cash for tens of thousands of Muslims who were displaced in the continuing siege of Marawi
Filipino Muslims donate cash for those displaced in the continuing siege of Marawi Credit: Bullit Marquez/AP

In a Telegraph interview, city official Hussein Datuharun backed the assertions of forced recruitment.

“They [militants] put checkpoints all over the city and then they recruit only men, saying you join our group or we will kill you,” he said.

“That’s why the fight is still continuing. Many people who are not willing to join but are forced by the armed groups.”

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