Maute elder arrested in Davao City

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 6): Maute elder arrested in Davao City

The alleged patriarch of the Maute clan- Cayamora Maute was arrested in a Task Force Davao checkpoint in Sirawan, Toril District in Davao City.

Cayamora Maute is the father of Abdullah and Omar Maute, leaders of the Maute terror group, which has been fighting government forces in Marawi City since May 23.

The elder Maute was wearing a surgical mask onboard a black van when intercepted by authorities in the checkpoint at around 10:00 a.m. today (June 6). His companions were also arrested.

Maute’s companions were identified as Norjannah Balawag Maute who is said to be Cayamora’s daughter, Benzarali Tingao, who is Norjannah’s husband, Oman Alfonso Maute the second wife of Cayamora and the van driver Aljon Salazar Ismael, who was later released by the police.

According to Brigadier General Gilbert Gapay Task Force Haribon chief, during the routine inspection, the troops noticed a person covered with blanket and his space covered with a pile of clothes at the back of the van.

“Upon further verification, the person resembled one of the suspected or wanted Maute Group in our photo gallery which are displayed in our baggage checkpoints all over Davao City.” Brig. Gen. Gapay said.

The TF Haribon chief said that when asked to verify their identities several ID cards were presented which heightened the inspecting officers’ suspicions. To ascertain the identities they were brought to the police station, which confirmed their suspicions.

According to Aljon Ismael, the van driver, the group was going to Davao from Cotabato City as Cayamora Maute was seeking medical treatment in the City.

According to Gapay, Cayamora will be detained here at Davao City Police Office headquarters and will be charged under arrest order number 1 issued by the Secretary of National Defense for the crime of rebellion.
       
“This is a big blow to the Maute ISIS group.” Gapay said as the patriarch is considered as the brains of the terror group.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1541496743626/maute-elder-arrested-in-davao-city