Nine more Maute stragglers killed in Marawi City

November 6, 2017

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Nine more stragglers, including a cousin of the Maute group leaders, were killed in a firefight as troops continue to clear Marawi City of local terrrorists, a military official said Monday.

Col. Romeo Brawner, Joint Task Force Ranao deputy commander, said the nine stragglers were killed in fighting that began Sunday dawn and lasted until the afternoon in the main battle area of Marawi City.

Brawner said one of the nine stragglers was identified as Ibrahim Maute alias Abu Jamil, cousin of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute group leaders Omar and Abdulah.

“These nine stragglers are believed to be part of the remaining Maute-ISIS terrorists who attacked Marawi City on May 23, 2017,” he added.

Brawner said the military is warning people that the main battle area is still off limits.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said they have deployed enough troops to clear Marawi City’s main battle area. DMS