DEVELOPING STORY
Security forces on Thursday recaptured the Grand Mosque in Marawi City, where Islamic State-linked terrorists had been allegedly holed up with their hostages since clashes erupted three months ago.
An ABS-CBN source said state troops did not encounter any extremist or hostage in the place of worship, which lies at the center of the lakeside town.
Clearing operations were still ongoing at the mosque as of 1:30 p.m.
Earlier this month, ABS-CBN News caught on camera terrorist snipers firing at state troops from atop the mosque.
Thousands of state troops have been battling Islamic State-linked terrorists in Marawi City since May 23. Government forces have confined the crisis to less than a square kilometer within the once bustling commercial district.
The battle for Marawi has killed some 700 people, mostly terrorists. --Report from Jeff Hernaez, ABS-CBN News
MORE STORIES: Battle for Marawi