More than four months of fighting between Philippine government security forces and terrorist fighters claiming to have links with the so-called Islamic State left Marawi a virtual ghost city.

 

The conflict in Marawi started on May 23 after terrorist fighters entered the city, burned churches and occupied several buildings, including the city hall and a police headquarters.

 

On Oct. 2, security forces asked for an extension to reclaim the city after failing to meet the announced Sept. 30 deadline.

 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the "clearing operations" may take 10 to 15 more days to finish even as government forces have taken "significant control" over the area.

 

Military officials claimed that up to 46 hostages remain in the hands of the terrorist fighters who continue to hide in what remained of the city's structures, including two mosques.

 

Martial law remains in place in the southern region of Mindanao as sporadic clashes continue in Marawi.

 

Vincent Go, a ucanews.com contributing photojournalist, joined a military patrol into Marawi during the last week of September.