GOVERNMENT soldiers killed the right-hand man of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and another Maute group straggler Wednesday night as clearing operations continued in Marawi City. In Sarangani province, two brothers said to be “key players” of the terrorist Group Ansar Al-Khilafa Philippines, which has pledged allegiance to ISIS, were arrested late Wednesday evening. Muhammad Ilham Syahputra, 23, was arrested in Marawi City last Wednesday, and brought to the Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings. The police charged Syahputra with rebellion under Republic Act 134, illegal possession of firearms and explosives under Republic Act 10591 and Republic Act 9516, and crimes against humanity under Republic Act 9581. He said there were at least 39 more Maute group stragglers in the main battle area in Marawi City, but Brawner could not confirm the number.

Source: The Standard November 02, 2017 15:22 UTC