PNP welcomes test confirming death of last Maute-ISIS leader

April 15, 2019

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday welcomed the result of a DNA done by US authorities confirming that the remaining Maute-ISIS leader Owaydah Marohombsar, known as Abu Dar, died last March.

Police General Oscar Albayalde said Abu Dar was one of the four terrorists killed in an encounter with security forces last March 14 in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur.

“This is a significant development in the government's continuing campaign against terrorism and domestic threat groups because Abu Dar is among Abu Sayyaf/ Dawlah Islamiya leaders who are aspiring for ISIS recognition as new emir to succeed the late Isnilon Hapilon,” he said in a press briefing.

Abu Dar is a leader of the Dawlah Islamiya of the Lanao area who figured prominently in the 2017 Marawi siege.

Albayalde said the PNP's only role was to extract the body of Abu Dar and give it to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“I think the SND (Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana) already give the statement that the US counterparts conducted the test. A relative of Abu Dar was held there so that’s how they were able to test or compare the DNA,” he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS