Marawi, a city of over 200,000 people, that lies on the shores of the placid Lake Lanao was transformed into a battleground after a botched raid by the military to capture Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon. This led to President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of Martial Law on May 23.
Tens of thousands were forced to flee Marawi, as bombs fell from the sky when the Philippine Air Force bombarded the city targeting houses where the Maute members are suspected to be hiding.
Photojournalist Erwin Mascarinas captured the panic, fear, grief and yes, a little smile, of the people of Marawi.
