The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has recovered the blue armored vehicle used by terrorist leader Abdullah Maute during the first few weeks of clashes in Marawi City.

Joint Task Force Marawi spokesman Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay said Wednesday the vehicle was recovered after heavy gunfire in a structure previously occupied by Maute extremists.

Armored vehicle used by Maute leader Abdullah Maute recovered by military inside the warzone in Marawi. pic.twitter.com/FIVb0XstOu

— Ron Gagalac (@rongagalac) August 9, 2017

The terrorist group is still holding some 50-70 hostages, according to the military, while a total of 539 terror suspects and 122 government troops have been killed since fighting broke out last May 23.

There are also strong indications that Abdullah along with his brother Omar, and Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon are still leading extremists in the conflict zone despite previous reports that they have been killed in clashes.

President Rodrigo Duterte previously offered a P10 million reward for the "neutralization" of Hapilon and P5 million each for Abdullah and Omar, leaders of the terror group under their name.

AFP chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Año last Saturday said clashes in Marawi City are nearing its end and would be over before the expiration of the martial law extension in Mindanao.

• READ: More intense firefights as Marawi siege nears end: Año