Palace: Only a matter of time before Maute group self-destructs
In this June 9, 2017, photo, Nasir Abdul, second from right, and other evacuees look as a military helicopter passes by black smoke from burning houses outside a temporary evacuation center at the provincial government capitol in Marawi city, southern Philippines. Nearly every day for the past three weeks, the Philippine military has pounded the lakeside town of Marawi with rockets and bombs as it tries to wipe out militants linked to the Islamic State group in some of the most protracted urban combat to hit this volatile region in decades. AP/Aaron Favila
MANILA, Philippines — It may be a matter of time before the Maute terror group disintegrates as in-fighting reportedly occurs in the group, a Malacañang official said Tuesday.
This follows reports that Abu Sayyaf subleader Isnilon Hapilon, Islamic State emir for Southeast Asia, has abandoned the group in Marawi City.
READ: AFP: Hapilon has likely abandoned Maute group
"Granting that this is true, it would be a clear sign of his cowardice because he abandoned his companions and has run away from the battle. It may also be indicative of the in-fighting that may now be going on within the group," Abella said in a televised press briefing.
The government, however, has yet to verify reports that Hapilon has fled Marawi.
"For now, all of these remain raw information, requiring validation by the AFP and various security agencies of government. Hence, we cannot issue any categorical statement on the matter until we get proof," the presidential spokesperson said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines earlier assured the public that they are winning against local terror groups after five weeks of fighting.
Only four out of 96 barangays in Marawi City remain "problematic," according to the military.
"The Armed Forces of the Philippines is winning and that victory is irreversible," Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, spokesman for Task Force Marawi, said on Monday.
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