DzBB reported snipers opened fire on the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol designated a "safe zone" for civilians, including journalists covering the Marawi conflict.

Machine gun shots landed inside the capitol's compound and hit several offices of department heads, particularly the provincial administrator's office. No one was injured, according to the report.

The gunfire forced those in the compound, including civilians and the media, to seek cover immediately, it said.

The Provincial Capitol in Marawi, is just about 2 kilometers (1 mile) from the war zone and was in the same area Australian journalist Adam Harvey was hit in June by a Maute sniper's bullet.

Clashes between government troops and the Maute group have continued since May 23 when the Maute and Abu Sayyaf terrorists laid siege to Marawi.

Lt. Col Jo-Ar Herrera, a spokesman for the Joint Task Force Marawi, said government troops are still fighting at least 60 gunmen holed in four villages in Marawi.

Herrera said more than 500 buildings occupied by Maute and Abu Sayyaf were up for clearing by soldiers, as of Monday, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The army spokesperson said troops are gaining more ground, as the rebel-held area is getting smaller.

He added that six Maute and Abu Sayyaf fighters were killed Sunday by government troops, while the government suffered two fatalities.

“Some 511 firearms were also recovered from the enemy, while 1,723 civilians have been rescued in the last 56 days of violence in Marawi,” he told Anadolu Agency.