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Mr Duterte ordered troops to "finish this war" started by Isis

Hundreds of residents also remain trapped in ISIS-controlled zones of the city – but the president demanded his soldiers “finish this war” started by the jihadis. Mr Duterte told reporters: “When I say crush them, you have to destroy everything including lives. Rebellion is no joking matter.


“I cannot stop my soldiers now – let’s finish this war that Islamic State has started.” Since hundreds of ISIS fighters stormed the city, the Philippine military has used precision assaults, backed by aerial and artillery bombardment, to drive the terrorists out. But Mr Duterte’s latest order has sparked fears for the lives of up to 500 trapped residents and hostages, including Chito Suganob, a Catholic priest who last week appeared in a Daesh propaganda video appealing for government troops to withdraw from the city.

EPA More than 100 Isis militants are said to be holed up in the city centre

Shocking images depict Philippines' war on drugs Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images


Photos taken by rescue teams during a brief truce depict scenes of massive destruction, with dozens of buildings reduced to piled of mangled and burned debris. Human bodies have also been photographed burned and rotting in the streets. Most of the city’s residents have fled, creating a humanitarian crisis while those trapped in the city rapidly run out of food and water.

EPA Dozens of buildings have been destroyed amid the fighting in the city

Unseen photos of President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS

The official death toll stands at 180 – but many more are believed to have been killed. More than 100 militants led by Isnilon Hapilon, the man believed to be the leader of ISIS in south-east Asia, are said to be holed in the centre of the city, using tunnels to dodge bombs, hide weapons, and man sniper positions. In a house used by ISIS militants as a machine gun post, government troops found £1.2million ($1.6million) in bundled up banknotes and checks.