Hapilon’s right-hand man killed

Almost two weeks after the government declared the end of the Marawi siege, another two Maute gunmen, one believed to be the top aide of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, were killed by government forces as they continue to clear the city from the extremist group.

The deputy commander of Joint Task Force Ranao, Col. Romeo Brawner, said the two terrorists were caught by government forces while they were trying to escape.

Moreover, Brawner said one of the captured, an Indonesian militant named Muhammad Ilham Syahputra said they were already weak for lack of food so they forage during the night, hoping to get something to eat.

Syahputra also said that there are still 39 left hiding in the tunnels made by Maute fighters in the main battle area.

Brawner said it’s possible that there are still more than a dozen hiding inside.

DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 11/ 03 /17