Muslims protect Christians under attack from Isis-linked group as they flee Marawi
More than 160 civilians walked out of the besieged Philippines city of Marawi just after dawn on Saturday, deceiving Islamist fighters they encountered by hiding the identity of the many Christians among them.
The audacious exodus came after text message warnings that a major assault by Philippines aircraft and ground troops was imminent in the centre of the southern city, where some 250 militants and more than 2,000 civilians remain trapped.
“We saved ourselves,†said Norodin Alonto Lucman, a well-known former politician and traditional clan leader who sheltered 71 people, including more than 50 Christians, in his home during the battle that erupted on 23 May in the town of more than 200,000 on the southern island of Mindanao. “There's this plan to bomb the whole city if Isis don't agree to the demands of the government,†he said, referring to local and foreign fighters who have sworn allegiance to the ultra-radical Islamic State.
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Some of the civilians were stopped and asked if there were any Christians among them, said Jaime Daligdig, a Christian construction worker.
“We shouted 'Allahu akbar',†he told Reuters, adding that thanks to that Muslim rallying cry they were allowed to pass.
More than 160 civilians walked out of the besieged Philippines city of Marawi just after dawn on Saturday, deceiving Islamist fighters they encountered by hiding the identity of the many Christians among them.
The audacious exodus came after text message warnings that a major assault by Philippines aircraft and ground troops was imminent in the centre of the southern city, where some 250 militants and more than 2,000 civilians remain trapped.
“We saved ourselves,†said Norodin Alonto Lucman, a well-known former politician and traditional clan leader who sheltered 71 people, including more than 50 Christians, in his home during the battle that erupted on 23 May in the town of more than 200,000 on the southern island of Mindanao. “There's this plan to bomb the whole city if Isis don't agree to the demands of the government,†he said, referring to local and foreign fighters who have sworn allegiance to the ultra-radical Islamic State.
...
Some of the civilians were stopped and asked if there were any Christians among them, said Jaime Daligdig, a Christian construction worker.
“We shouted 'Allahu akbar',†he told Reuters, adding that thanks to that Muslim rallying cry they were allowed to pass.
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