By: Francis T. Wakefield
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Eduardo Año yesterday said that the death of the father of Maute brothers Abdullah and Omar who led the siege of Marawi City in May is an unfortunate incident not only for his family, but especially for the victims of terrorism in the war-torn city.
Año made the remark after learning of the passing of Cayamora Maute while in detention at the Special Intensive Care Area (SICA) 1 facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
“This is an unfortunate incident for his family; but more so to the victims of terrorism in Marawi and their relatives who are awaiting justice and expecting that Mr. Cayamora would answer/atone for his involvement in the Marawi rebellion,” he said.
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) director Serafin Barreto Jr. earlier confirmed that Maute, 67, was rushed to Taguig-Pateros District Hospital around 2 p.m. Sunday but died at 3:07 p.m.
“Yes, nakatanggap kami ng report galing sa kanila na isinugod nga sa ospital ngayong hapon pero namatay din ng 3:07 p.m. Sabi ng mga opisyal, tumaas ang BP niya masyado at nahirapan huminga,” Baretto said.
However, Baretto said the Maute patriarch’s cause of death has yet to be determined. He was detained at the Special Intensive Care Area (SICA) 1 facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
Baretto also disclosed that jail warden Chief Inspector Lloyd Gonzaga had requested medical checkups for Maute outside of the detention facility over the past few months but it was not approved.
“Matagal na ngang nagrerequest ‘yung jail warden ng checkup para sa kanya, siguro as early as July, dahil nagco-complain nga, nahihirapan daw huminga at masakit ang dibdib kaso hindi nga naaprubahan ng mga judges,” Baretto added.
The BJMP chief also said that Maute was diagnosed with hepatitis, type 1 diabetes, and hypertension even before he was detained at Taguig jail.
Cayamora was arrested at a checkpoint in Davao City last June 6. He was later transferred to Taguig City following reports of an attempt to rescue him.
A few days later, his wife Ominta Romato Maute also known as Farhana, was arrested and is currently detained at Camp Bagong Diwa.
BJMP spokesperson Senior Inspector Xavier Solda said the elder Maute was “in critical condition” when he was rushed from the special intensive care unit at Camp Bagong Diwa at around 3 p.m. to Taguig-Pateros District Hospital, where he later died.