Maute group still a threat, says military

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the liberation of Marawi City from ISIS-inspired Maute group, the local terror group remains a threat to the region, the military said Friday.

On October 17, President Rodrigo Duterte declared the liberation of war-torn Marawi from terrorists following the deaths of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and one of the Maute brothers, Omar Maute.

The remaining members of the Maute group, however, are attempting to recover by recruiting new members.

"They still remain to be a threat. Although they have been significantly degraded in terms of capability and manpower, those who survived that siege still remain at large," AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in a press briefing.

According to the military, the remaining members of the local terror group are recruiting children, women and the relatives of those who were killed in battle through the enticement of cash rewards.

"Ito pong kanilang effort upang magpalakas uli at kanilang pag-re-recruit ay isang bahago ng kanilang effort upang magpalakas uli at kanilang inaasahan na maaari sigurong bumawi kaya't nananatili pa rin sila isang banta sa seguridad lalo na ng Marawi at ayaw natin mangyari ito," Padilla said.

Aside from the Maute group, there are also threats of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Cotabato while the Abu Sayyaf Group still exists in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Meanwhile, the police have recommended extending the declaration of martial law in Mindanao for another year.

According to DILG officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy, continuing threats from terrorist groups prompted the PNP to recommend an extension of martial law in Mindanao.

The military has expressed its support for the proposed extension for the purpose of defeating other violent militant groups in the region.

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