Daesh-inspired leader Omar Maute and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader Isnilon Hapilon were killed in the ongoing operations of government forces in Marawi City, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed on Monday.
“Yes, I confirm the killing of Hapilon at saka Omar Maute this morning.” Lorenzana said in a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo.
According to Lorenzana, the confirmation of the death of the two came from the testimony of a female hostage who was able to escape from the encounter area.
“They were able to get a testimony from a hostage who was able to escape. She was able to confirm the presence of Isnilon and Maute in that particular building. That’s the building that we assaulted this morning. They are confirmed dead,” Lorenzana said.
He also said that cadavers of the two terrorist leaders that were recovered by the goverment troops are now subjects to DNA testing.
On the same encounter, 17 civilian hostages were rescued from the hands of Mautes in a report from the Task Force Ranao.
“So may na rescue tayo na 17 hostages last night. Halo-halo ito, may lalaki, babae, mga bata. Wala pa ‘ko breakdown kung ilan ang lalaki at babae.” Task Force Ranao deputy commander Colonel Romeo Brawner Jr. said.
Brawner also added that the freed subjects were now on the safe zone and currently undergoing medical examinations.
As of this post, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is still conducting clearing operations in the main battle area as they are now hunting for the remaining local and foreign terrorists particularly the Malaysian “Dr. Mamud”. (Angelica Bobiles-PTV)
Watch: Press conference of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on the death of Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute
