Death of Maute leader in clash with military in Lanao Sur confirmed — Lorenzana
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Sun, 14 Apr 2019 09:45:01 +0000
THE death of the lone leader of the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Maute group, Owaydah Benito Marohombsar, or “Abu Dar” during an encounter with the military in March is confirmed based on DNA results, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Sunday.
Lorenzana admitted, however, that he was unaware who or where the DNA testing was conducted.
“I don’t know who tested it or where. But it is confirmed—it’s Abu Dar’s remains,” he said in a text message.
Marohombsar and his men clashed with the Philippine Army in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur last March 14.
One of the victims, then believed to be Marohombsar, was subjected to DNA testing after informants in the area identified him as the leader of the Maute group.
He was believed to be the only terror leader who escaped from Marawi City during a five-month siege in 2017 by the Maute group.
He was also tagged as the successor of Isnilon Hapilon as “emir” of the IS in Southeast Asia. Hapilon died toward the end of the war, along with other Maute leaders.
Lorenzana said that with Marohombsar’s death, the Maute group was now leaderless and that his successor was being monitored. DEMPSEY REYES
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