Emergency workers in Marawi City on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao buried another 28 bodies of civilians and some suspected Islamic rebels on a hillside on Tuesday (September 5). Local officials say almost 90 bodies have been placed in mass graves since June and more are expected as fighting continues.

Large parts of the predominantly Muslim city have been occupied by Islamic militants since May and more than 800 people have already been killed – most of them rebels.

Mindanao has a history of Muslim separatist rebellion and President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the island under martial law until the end of the year.

He has also asked lawmakers to approve funds to increase the army by 20,000 troops.