Lorenzana, however, assured that the AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to break the heavy resistance of and clear Marawi from the Maute-ISIS group, restore normalcy in the city, and make way for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi.
"At the request of the government of the Philippines, US special operations forces are assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with ongoing operations in Marawi that helps AFP commanders on the ground in their fight against Maute and ASG militants", the spokesperson said.
Duterte however said that he had "never approached America" for help and that he was not aware of United States support in Marawi.
The presence of militants from an Indonesian terror group among Maute combatants fighting in Marawi City reinforces the appeal of the southern Philippines to extremists in the region who are loyal to the Islamic (IS).
The cooperation between the longtime allies in the battle is significant because Duterte, who came to power a year ago, has taken a hostile stance towards Washington and has vowed to eject USA military trainers and advisers from his country.
National Security Adviser and former Armed Forces Chief Hermogenes Esperon said the provision of assistance should not be a surprise because the U.S. has always helped the Philippines in its counter-terrorism programs.
In Friday's battles, "there were 13 soldiers killed in action", Herrera said at a news conference in Marawi.
Military spokesman Restituto Padilla said the aim was to end the siege by Monday, the Philippines' independence day.
A US P-3 Orion surveillance plane was seen over the town on Friday. But it said on Saturday they needed more time.
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He did not say the armed forces had gone over his head but noted that, because of years of training from the United States, "our soldiers are pro-American, that I can not deny".
The United States proudly stands with the Philippines as a longstanding ally, especially as the country confronts challenges associated with terrorism and extremism, including recent attacks in Marawi City and elsewhere.
It said in a statement it was providing Philippine forces with security assistance and training in the areas of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
The State Department on Sunday honored the relationship between the US and the Philippines, pointing to "shared democratic values" between the two nations. The Special Forces never left the Philippines but rather got enmeshed in the botched Mamasapano operation where they trained and provided "technical assistance" to the massacred PNP SAF. Fighters from Indonesia, Malaysia, Chechnya, Yemenand Saudi Arabia were among those killed in the battle for Marawi.
According to OPAPP, government troops were able to locate the trapped individuals when Department of Education (DepEd)-ARMM worker Hanifa Ampuan, wife of one of the rescued civilians, coordinated with authorities regarding the whereabouts of her husband and his companions.
At least 200 rebels are holed up in a corner of the city.
Last year, Hapilon, 51, was named by the Islamic State as its emir in Southeast Asia.
Some senators expressed no objection to the involvement of US Special Forces in the military operations in Marawi City.
"Our military relationship with the Philippines remains robust and multifaceted", said Emma Nagy, a spokeswoman for the embassy in Manila.
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