He identified Hapilon’s chief aide as Abu Talha. Killed with MautePresident Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi on Oct. 18, two days after Scout Rangers killed Hapilon and Omarkhayam Maute, one of the leaders of the Maute group, and freed at least 21 hostages. Among those still trapped in the ruins, according to Brawner, were dependents of Maute and Abu Sayyaf gunmen. Fighting erupted in Basak Malutlut village on May 23 as soldiers and policemen tried to arrest Hapilon in his hideout. Hundreds of IS-inspired gunmen came to the aid of Hapilon and put the city under siege for five months.—JEOFFREY MAITEM AND DIVINA SUSON

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer November 02, 2017 21:33 UTC