Summary
Highlights
The Marawi War, the longest urban warfare in Philippine history, began with a botched raid to capture Isnilon Hapilon, a self-proclaimed emir responsible for kidnappings, bombings, and beheadings. Despite a 5 million bounty and multiple past attempts, Hapilon evaded capture. On May 23, 2017, the AFP's special forces attempted to apprehend him and the Maute brothers in Marawi. The mission involved Light Reaction Regiment, Scout Rangers, and Navy Seals. The plan was for the Light Reaction Regiment to enter Hapilon's safe house in Brgy. Basak Malutlut, followed by Navy Seals and Scout Rangers as blocking forces.
Upon breaching the safe house, the assault team found it empty, littered with weapons. They were ambushed in the kitchen, resulting in casualties. Attempts to extract the wounded and reinforce the team were met with heavy resistance from terrorists in surrounding areas. It became clear that Marawi was under a coordinated attack. The terrorists occupied key locations, released prisoners, burned buildings, and displayed ISIS flags, taking hostages and killing civilians. The raid ultimately failed to capture Hapilon and Omar Maute, though a video detailing their plan to conquer Marawi was recovered. This failed raid, however, prevented the full execution of the terrorists' plan.
The conflict prolonged due to the critical role of Marawi's bridges. Lieutenant Geraldo Alvarez's team, sent to reinforce besieged soldiers, encountered an ambush at Perez Street, confirming the terrorists' control over key bridges like Mapandi. Securing these bridges became a priority for military entry into Marawi. Various special forces units were assigned to different bridges: Special Action Force for Raya Madaya, Light Reaction Regiment for Bangolo, and Marines for Mapandi. The fight for these bridges was fierce and resulted in many government casualties. Despite initial successes, the Marines were pushed back from Mapandi Bridge. The military resorted to airstrikes and artillery to clear the areas around the bridges.
After prolonged and intense fighting, Mapandi Bridge was recaptured by the Marines on July 20, 2017, followed by Bangolo Bridge on September 1, and Raya Madaya Bridge on September 24. The enemy had heavily fortified these bridges, knowing their loss would severely impede their movement. With the Mapandi Bridge secured, government forces, including police and military, were able to push back the terrorists towards Lake Lanao, effectively cornering them.
With the bridges secured, the military implemented a 'Slicing Strategy' to locate, isolate, constrict, and eliminate the terrorists. This involved a large-scale coordinated effort with joint task groups pushing from different directions (east, north, west), Navy and Coast Guard on Lake Lanao, and Air Force providing aerial support. US and Australian patrol planes also assisted in intelligence gathering. The battle for key buildings within the main battle area was brutal, leading to more casualties. Critical buildings to recapture included the Grand Mosque, Land Bank, Bato Ali Mosque, and Building 1010, where Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon were believed to be hiding.
The Grand Mosque was retaken after intense bombing of its surroundings and a swift assault. The Land Bank was secured by Captain Romel Sandoval's Scout Rangers in a dangerous rooftop assault, though Sandoval himself was killed attempting to rescue a wounded comrade. The Bato Ali Mosque was also recaptured by the LRC after an initial failed attempt. Finally, Building 1010, the last stronghold, was heavily besieged. Hostages confirmed Hapilon and Maute were still alive and wounded inside. A sniper from the LRC confirmed their presence and eventually killed Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon as they attempted to escape. The Marawi War officially ended after five months, with over 11 billion pesos in damages, 350,000 displaced, 9919 terrorists, 165 soldiers, and 47 civilians dead.