By: Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos
Malacañang yesterday commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines for neutralizing terrorist group leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute after almost five months of armed struggle in Marawi City.
According to Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, the government is now looking forward to the rehabilitation of the besieged city in Lanao del Sur.
“Bravo Zulu (Well done) to the AFP. 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,” Andanar said.
The Palace official noted that the deaths of the two leaders prove the government’s resolve to deliver peace in the country.
“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,” Andanar said.
“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 added.
“We have a President who demonstrates day in and day out that he will spare nothing, not even himself, for the good of our people,” Andanar said.
Marawi Crisis Management Committee head Zia Alonto Adiong said the liberation of the besieged city is on the horizon.
“After more than four months in utter darkness, we are heading towards the light. Liberation is imminent!” Adiong said in his Twitter account.
The Department of National Defense has confirmed reports and photos surfacing on social media that the two Deash-inspired leaders were killed in an operation by the AFP yesterday.
Malacañang, citing the DND, also confirmed that the deaths of Hapilon and Maute happened during an operation to retake the remaining stronghold of the terrorists in Marawi.
It also noted that 17 civilian hostages were rescued during the operation and that mopping up operations are now underway.