Terrorist leaders Hapilon, Maute killed today
Terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute have been killed today in a military operation after leading a 147-day war in Marawi City.
Isnilon Hapilon(left) and Omar Maute(right). Photo from inquirer.net
According to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Eduardo Año, the two were killed while trying to move in another area. Hapilon was shot in the breast while Maute was killed with a head shot.
“The operation conducted by the government forces to retake the last remaining Daesh-Maute stronghold in the city has resulted in the death of the last terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute, and that their bodies have been recovered by our operating units,” National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed in a press statement.
Isnilon Hapilon is the leader of the Abu Sayyaf based in Basilan, while Omar Maute is one of the leaders of the Maute Terrorist Group. The two have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in the Middle East.
Año said that less than eight foreign terrorists, including Mahmud bin Ahmad, a top Malaysian militant, and a close associate of Hapilon, are still in the main battle area and are being hunted by the troops.
There were also 17 civilian hostages that were rescued by the military troops in Marawi, but 20 others are still left in the area.
Bodies of Hapilon and Maute are now at the military headquarters to undergo DNA testing, together with other members of the Maute group that were killed in the operation.
Lorenzana stated that even with the death of Hapilon and Maute, the government will not yet lift the martial law in Mindanao. He said that the government shall decide by the end of the month regarding this matter.
"We can end Marawi crisis before Asean summit," he added. However, he noted that there is still a “small area” that is left to be cleared by the military forces today and tomorrow.
President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao last May 23. The supposed 100-day military rule was extended until December 31, 2017 for the overall peace and stability in the place, and was granted by the Congress.
