Palace hails death of Marawi siege leaders Hapilon and Maute

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday hailed the death of terrorist leaders Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon, calling it a “clear victory against terrorism.”

 

“Bravo Zulu to the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines). We look forward to raising Marawi from the ashes of conflict and building in a new era where people from the farthest reaches of this Republic can share in the boon of progress,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement.

 

“This clear victory against terrorism proves the Duterte administration’s resoluteness in delivering on its promise of peace and prosperity to the people of Mindanao,” he added.

 

Maute and Hapilon, leaders of the bandits who laid siege to Marawi last May 23, were killed in an early morning raid Monday, a development that officials said could end the fighting in the war-torn city.

 

READ: How Maute, Hapilon died in one of last Marawi gunfights

 

Seventeen hostages were also rescued during their operation, which form part of the military’s final assault against the terrorists holed up in the area. Security forces are still conducting clearing operations to flush out the remaining militants in the city.

 

“We will also announce the termination of hostilities once government troops have ensured that the remaining terrorists holed up in the city are neutralized or captured and that they have cleared all structures of improvised explosive devices and other traps,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said.

 

“Once the fighting stops and the clearing operations end, we will put our efforts and energies on the challenging task of rebuilding and rehabilitating Marawi,” he added.

 

Andanar believes the successful operation against Maute and Hapilon reflected President Rodrigo Duterte’s resolve to curb terrorism in the country.

 

“Despite the criticisms of his detractors, President Duterte pushed on an unrelenting campaign to take back Marawi City through all means at his disposal,” he said.

 

READ: DND: Hapilon, Maute deaths imply end of Marawi conflict

 

Duterte has visited Marawi six times to express his support for the troops. Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año said the president wanted to go to the city Monday but was advised not to do so until the operations against terrorists are completed.

 

“The president (wanted to be) here this morning but we expect heavy fighting today,” Año said in a press conference in Marawi. 

 

Año said Duterte was “very happy” with the development and has congratulated the military for the successful raid.