By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the military operations that killed its leader and some members, it’s only a matter of time before the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group will be finally decimated.
This was the gist of the statement on Tuesday (13 Feb 2024) by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla who said 12 Maute members were killed, three surrendered, and three others were arrested in these operations.
“Maute Group is already on the brink of collapse following a series of decisive military and joint law enforcement operations, particularly against the leadership and perpetrators of the Mindanao State University (MSU) improvised explosive device bombing,” Padilla said during a press briefing.
On Monday (12 February 2024), the AFP reported that the alleged mastermind in last December’s Mindanao State University (MSU) bombing in Marawi City was killed in a military operation in Lanao del Sur.
He was identified as Khadafi Mimbesa or “Engineer,” and also the amir or leader of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group.
(el Amigo/MNM)