MARAWI CITY- The military has implemented a "fishing lockdown" in Lanao Lake after reports Maute terrorists were using the body of water to sneak into this war-torn city.

Fishing in the area is prohibited from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following day, prompting complaints from fishermen that they are deprived of big catch that they usually get at night.

The lake is about 340 square kilometers, roughly twice the size of Quezon City.

"Kung may papasok o lalabas dadaan pa rin yung sa mga towns around the lake, we are asking for the help of the mayors and their constituents para tulungan kami i-address," Task Force Marawi spokesperson Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay said.

(Whoever enters or leaves the towns around the lake, we are asking for the help of the mayors and their constituents to help us address this.)

Musa Grandi said he had been heavily affected since fishing for shrimp is only possible when there is no sunlight.

Balindong Mayor Benjamin Bagul said the lockdown has affected thousands of fishermen in other coastal towns of Lanao del Sur.

"If this will prolong pa may gagawin tayo na mga interventions, halimbawa cash for work gagawa tayo mga infrastructures at sila ihahahire din natin," Bagul said.

(If this will be prolonged, we will introduce interventions like cash for work, will will hire the fishermen to build infrastructure.)