Government forces on Wednesday regained control of two bridges leading to the center of Marawi City where most of the Maute bandits are holed up.

Soldiers now control the Mapandi and Bayabao bridges in the southern city, but this didn't mean they can now go back and forth across the bridge due to continuing gunfire from the enemy.

While the army claimed that they have already gained control over most of the city, the remaining area which is not yet cleared is the center of trade and commerce where lots of residential buildings are located.

With audible gunfire and bombings in the background, ABS-CBN News' Chiara Zambrano reported that journalists have been pushed back from the area where they had been able to walk around the day prior because according to the military, more snipers have been keeping them busy in the perimeter.

She also reported that with airstrikes ongoing, rescuing civilians trapped inside the city remains a difficult task despite cries for help from people who are either afraid to leave in fear of being caught in the crossfire or those who were prevented from leaving because they serve as human shields for the bandits.

• READ: MILF offers to help rescue civilians trapped in Marawi