End of Marawi conflict dawns after death of Omar Maute, Hapilon

MANILA — The head of the Prelature of Marawi believes the reported death of terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute will pave the way to the end of the conflict in the city.

“Crumbling leadership signals the beginning of the end,” said Marawi City Bishop Edwin dela Peña in an interview.

With this, the Catholic prelate admitted that he is grateful about the development of the situation in the city.

“I’m beginning to feel relieved,” he said.

On Monday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed reports from ground commanders claiming the death of Hapilon and Maute.

Fighting in Marawi City erupted between when government forces tried to arrest Hapilon who was declared as the ’emir’ of the terror group ISIS in Southeast Asia last May 23.

This prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao. (PNA)

Popular

Malacañang urges caution on calls to expel Chinese envoy

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency Malacañang on Wednesday acknowledged calls for action against Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan over his...

Malacañang: Armed group sheltering Sen. dela Rosa a threat to nat’l security

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet After several months of manhunt operations, authorities said that they have already identified the whereabouts of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa,...

Malacañang presses probe into reported Atong Ang escape

By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency Malacañang on Wednesday called for an investigation into possible lapses in law enforcement after Interior Secretary Jonvic...

PBBM, Japan reaffirm bilateral ties, regional cooperation

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to...