Prelate: Marawi conflict near end with death of top terror leaders

FILE: Marawi Bishop Edwin dela Pena (PNA Photo)

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 feel grateful with 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.