Although Filipino forces have mostly beat back militants supporting the Islamic State, danger remains imminent in the ruins of former battles.
As more than 300,000 people return to their homes in Marawi City, unexploded mortar shells, grenades, rockets, and improvised explosive devices continue to pose major threats. Locals teach classes at evacuation centers, helping residents identify unexploded artillery and warning them to stay clear, and call authorities, if any are found.
The five-month conflict was the Philippines' biggest security crisis in years. The military relied heavily on artillery and air strikes to flush out gunmen who had taken over the city. Authorities say almost 1,000 pro-ISIS militants were killed, as well as more than 160 troops and nearly 50 civilians.
But not everybody is safe yet. As militants continue to fight in rural areas, it could be some time before ISIS is fully purged from the country.
