BUTIG, Lanao Del Sur - Two-thirds of this town, which has been occupied by the Maute terror group since Saturday, has returned to government control Wednesday, the Army announced hours ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte's scheduled visit in the province.

Col. Roseller Murillo, commander of the Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade, said troops have retaken the towns's Madrasa and high school.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is confident that it can recapture the whole town center, including the terrorist's stronghold at the town hall, within the day.

President Duterte, who is expected to arrive in the neighboring town of Marawi Wednesday morning, earlier said the government is not yet keen on waging war against Maute fighters despite their siege of Butig.

He said he is keen on resolving the conflict through peaceful means.

Duterte wants to befriend Maute group

On Tuesday, seven presidential guards and two soldiers from Duterte's advance party were wounded in an ambush in Barangay Matampay, Marawi.

Wounded PSG personnel arrive at Camp Evangelista in CDO. They were airlifted after an ambush in Marawi City. (Photo: 4th ID Phil. Army) pic.twitter.com/BoPuM438J3

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) November 29, 2016

The 103rd Brigade said the terrorists may have used the ambush as a diversionary tactic.

Army spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla, however said the suspects may not have known that the victims' unmarked convoy belongs to the government.

The attack, he said, may have been laid to intimidate civilians and block reinforcements from reaching Marawi.

The fighting between soldiers and terrorists has forced thousands of families to flee.

-- Report from Chiara Zambrano, ABS-CBN News

How the Maute group recaptured Butig https://t.co/1EEgOBy3Ux pic.twitter.com/Y4YsHd986n

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) November 29, 2016